m^^^^^mm^i^^^^ J c^^Ki'^h- ;y&^wc/^^^' vuu^y. ,:>woW', *»?p,' 'Wg^t^v^, •^^VW^^ ^v^^<^«^^ fW.Vw^ '^VVMv .w>( ^vwvwwv «^^c^^ '^.AVa^ >^,,^,.w^'''^vw ^^woyvwff. '^V.. .^l -/ywVW^}-v'w 'UW, vowvvg&gw. !^,-^"--* y^V^/:.^^^^^"^ ,ivwWWW ^u\>^ ,s^^ ' f '.'.^ii^^-^ 0.^ \ 'THE FARMl^R IS THE EOUNDER OE ClVIUZATION.'-WEBSTl^R. THE Lancaster Farmer, A MONTHLY JOURNAL:, DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY, DOMES- TIC ECONOMY AND GENERAL MISCELLANY EDITED BY PROF. S. S. RATHVON. VOLUME X.--1878. LANCASTER, PA.: LINN^^US RATHVON. PUBLISHER. • 1878. CONTENTS OF VOLUME TEN. About Mosquitoes, 2 About Bats, 3 Answiv to a Correspondent, 5 Address, fl Airriciiltural Outlook, 13 A Portable Fence, lo A Hint to lirape Urowcre, l-t Auiuial InstiiR't, 15 A New llouseliold Pest, 15 Around the Farm, 23, 42, 57, 70, Aijrieultural Notes, 30 Airins Beds, 30 A Horse's I'etitiou to His Master, 31 Apollo, 35 A Larce IIorse-Kadisli, 36 About Dark Bralimas, 40 April, 49 Asparagus, 62 Aboition in Cows, 64 About Potatoes, 65 All AL'od Apple, 65 Attraction Extraordinary, 65 About May, 65 A ?50-' Hooster, 79 Apple Tree Borer, >'4 Around the F'arni, 88, 119, 133, 151 A Simple Kefriijerator, 89 A Hint/o Geranium (irowers, 93 A Manfmoth Bunch of (irapes, 93 Arab Maxims for Horse-Keeping, 94 A Wheal Crop Saved by Skunks, 109 Aromatic Principles in Milk, 110 August Caterpillars, 116 Agricultural Exhibitions, 116 Asparagus Plantintr in Summer, 137 A Varied Diet for Fowls, K8 A Winged Host of Sennecharib, 136 Agricultural Journals, l.SS Agricultural Products of Englaud and France, 141 Among the Points, 143 An Appeal, 145, IGl Acknowledgment, 145 Amber Sugar Cane, 147 A Snake in His Eye, 147 Answer to Correspondent i, 150 Acreage Kequired for a Cow, 159 A Gigantic Puff-Ball, 163 Autumn Leaves and Ferns, 162 A ChupieronPennsylvaniaSnakes, 164 Are County Fairs Benefieial to Farmers and Fruit-Growers? 164 Asclepias Tuberosa, 168 Autumn Top-Dressing, 173 A Study of Sheep, 175 As Others See Us, 178 About Canary Birds, 176 A Few Words on Bees and Grapes, 181 A Household Fruit Dryer, 187 Bury the Kubbish, 14 Buckwheat, 15, 93 Brown Leghorns, 37 Black Hellebore, 41 Barnyard Manures, 51 Bleaching Broom Corn, 63 lieans, 62 Beautifying the Grass Plot, 62 Bee-Keepers' Association, 77, 125 Black Snakcroot, 89 Balking, 94 Brighton Grape, 101 Blackberry Causality, 104 Building Hoses, 110 Brine for Bathing the Feet of Horses, 1-7 Bees and Grapes, 130 British Exports to the United States, 141 Bone Meal and Crushed Shells, 144 Best Watch Made in America, 148 Blackroot and the Myriapods, 149 Bad Season for Dairy Farmers in Scotland, 160 Bee-Keepers' Association, 171 Clubbing, 5, 17, 33, 49, 65 Care of Domestic Animals, 6 Communication, 6 Cholera Among Fowls, 10 Cost of a Bushel of Wheat, 13 Cultivation of the Lilac, 13 Ciicumveniing the Turnip Beetle, 15 Culibages tor Fowls, 15 Coal Ashes for Fowls, 16 Correction, 17, 99 Controlling Horn (Jrowth, 31 {'orrespoudenec, 34, 57, 67, 83, 100, 116 Commercial Fertilizers, 30 Celandine, 56 Clothes Moths, 56 Correction for March, 58 (Joal Ashes, xik:^^i>o. The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S, EATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., JANUARY, 1878. Vol. K. No. 1. OUR TENTH VOLUME. With tlic initiation ot llie Xcw Year we entfi- uiiDH the tcntli voUinie o£ The Lan- CASTKK FAiiMEii, iuitl in doing so, \vc con- fess that we aiu inlliuncL'd by some of tiial confklcnw^ whicli so nnivcr.'iaily attarhos to the signilicancu and iiotcncy of the numbur 10. Ten times 10 make one hundred, and ten liu'ndi-eds make a thousand ; a nunicrical result that never could occur in the absence of the lir.st 10. 2Vh just and Godfearinn; men, wo are ad- monished, might have saved even Sodom and Gomorrah— miglit have vouchsaled to these ancient cities -not witlistanding tlieir iniquities— a lime-lease that might have con- tinued their prosperity down to the present day. If wo are unable to prove this, we might reply that the converse is just as dilfi- cnlt to prove. But the ten just men could not be found within their walls, and tlierelbre those "doomed cities of the plain" were con- verted into smouldering ruins, and even their iiiins were submerged, and their subsequent geographical location became questionable, or entirely obliterated. Is there public patronage enough in our "reat county to secure to The Lancaster Farmer tlic syndwlic 10 V Will the repre- sentative ten men be foiuid within its limits who will vouchsafe its salvation fVom the fate of Sodom and of Gomorrah ? A\'e trust they will— we htjJkvc they will— and this boon secured. The Farrier 'may be raised upon a wave of prosperity that will carry it over tlie "la-Ciikers" of adversity, and eventually land it on a friendly shore in triumph. There is a wonderful power in the human will; and all we need is the irill to enable us to find the imi/. Even nund.iers are also believed to be om'inous of good, and therefore we look' to 1878 as the harbinger of a returning prosperi- ty to our country— its commercial, agricul- tural and manufacturing interests ; and through these to a corresponding support of its moral and literary institutions and enter- prises. With these" hopes we launch our bark again upon Uie sea of the unknown future for another yearly voyage. Our tenth voyage ought to "be crowned with success ; and if it isliol successful, it will not be be- cause we lucked fnith in the significance of numbers, or failed to ultimate that faith in ■works. But without God, and the people as vox Dei, or the voice of God, "we can do nothing." We therefore lean upon the sus- taining support of the people, and exhort the people— and especially those among them who compose the farming peoiile- to vouchsafe their pecuniary, their intellectual, and their moral support. We admonish them that nothing can more iirndy est-ablish their indi- viduality, their personal identity, and their local reputation, than the sustaining of a representative journal among them. To do this successlully, tlie personal resiionsibility is so small, that they nught be jnstilied in wishing it were greater. A fraction over iiiixe cents n month— the price of a good cigar — and the postasie paid. Nothing exemplifies more fully and more forcibly the prosperity of a community, than the reasonable success of its local 'and le^iti- male enterprises ; and nothing can contribute more to its independence and self-reliance. We are not the advocates of a mawkish ex- clusiveness, but in the sequence of tlun^s and events, there are tliose that are posdrui/-, and those that are anterior, as well as llio.sn that are intermcHnt''. There are thiuiis of a pri- mary consideration, and other things of only a secmdary relation to them. Local interests cannot be neglected or ignored, without pro- ducing local "disadvantage or distress. It is true, that there are those who depend more upon a foreign market tliaTi upon a home mar- ket, and th se wdl be correspondingly inter- ested in foriign journals. Hut this is one of those things "which ought to be done, and not leaving the other undone." Besides, foreign journals that cover most effectually the whole joiu-nalistic ground, arc largely made up by selections from local journals, and with- out local journals and local correspondents and contributors, they would furnish but a meagre supi>ly to local patrons and readers. No matter with what ability a foreign journal may be conducted, or with what excellence its cohanns may be tilled, if its contents can- not be locally applied, it can only he of a "imited "use to its patrons. It is like very plants which bear beautiful leaves and (lowers that are never ultimated in useful fruit. It is not so much upon what we knoro, as upon vvliat we are able to bring down into practical uxe, that the success of all our energies and our enterprises depends. We desire to make our loth volume far superior to any that has preceded it ; for, even if we should not go backwards, we are not content to stand still, but desire to go forward. Even if we shoujd be contented with what we have, we are far from being contented with what we are; for such a mental or moral condition shuts the door of both physical and intellectual progress. We aim to develop the physical resources and moral character of our "garden of the Key- stone State," but we also aim to be developed with it, in order that our mental garment may be ample enough to be worn with coin- fort. If our journal is only a "straight jacket," we desire to increa.se it to the ample folds of a "cloak of royalty." We desire to realize that "No pi'iit up Utica contracts our powers, Tlic whole unbounded contineut is ours." Whether we ever shall be able to reach this goal will depend on circumstances ; but whather we shall or not, we deem it no crime to entertain or indulge such an ambition, and are not resi)onsihle for that which is impossi- ble. Whether The Lancaster Farmer will be permitted to develop the uses it desires to develop, and that a progressive people need to have developed, for "ten, ten, double ten, forty-live and fifteen" years, will depend en- tirely upon its financial basis during the ad- vent of its first ten. The farming interests of ourtrreat county are becoming such that it cannot socially and morally well afford to do without its local representative journal, and this would become legretfully apparent if its present publication should happen to be dis- continued. Hence we appeal to our patrons, and the friends of agricultural progress, to lend a sustaining hand through the New Year. Write for it ; talk for it ; secure suli- scribers for it ; and convert it into a moral and social "engine of strength." Canvass for it under our club and [mminm solicita- tions. Let our list of subscribers constitute themselves a "committee of the whole," and "each man firing his other man." Whatever we can do through the columns of The Farmei:, or otherwise, to make 1878 a prosjierous, a healthy anil a happy year, will be cheerfully, hones'ly, and faithfully done. Not forgetful of the past, we desire to ad- monish them how to apjireciate and improve the present, and to anticipate the future. We do not desire to dictate to them what their own common sense may suggest much better than we can teach ; biit knmcing can accom- plish nothing without doing. Even doing ••little by little," if reasonably persevered in. will eventually bring succes.s. That this suc- cess mav b.' theirs, and through theirs, ours. with a 'I](ipp!l Aeio Tear, is the sincere wish of The F^uiMEK. DO BEES REALLY DESTROY FRUIT? We have already given as muih siiace, in the columns of TiiE Farmer, to the discus- sion of this question, as we can well afford, especially at this season of the year— when its practical demonstration is almost impossible —and we therefore trust that tho.se wlio have their minds made up, j/ro or co?i, will defer an expression of their final sentiments on the subject until the next b(e and J'nM season. This will attract the practical attention of those who have not made any observations on the subject, or who may not liave been iW thorough in their observations as the necessi- ties of the case demands. It is undoubtedly a question of importance if, as it is .so earnest- ly alleged by such resiiectable authority, that bees are very destructive to fruit— especially to the grapes— and denied by other authority of equal respectability ; because the questions whether the culture of bees or fruit should be, or should not he, entirely adandoned, seem to be inextricably involved in whatever deter- miuation may be come to, as the truth of the matter— or a safe and certain remedy be dis- covered, whereby their culture may bo har- monized. We do not thiid< that a single iso- lated observation, or even a series of observa- tions mapen to be first pub- lished in other papers"; because, this would be manifestly unjust to those of our readers who never see any of the dailies. THE LANCASTER FARMER. [January, SPECIAL PREMIUMS FOR 1878. Club Rates— No. i. To auy one, within ttie county of Lancas- ter, sending us a club of Jive new .subscribers, accompanied hy four dollars, we will send fve copes of TnE Farmer, to any address, for one year, from the first of Januaiy next, and two copies of "Jenkins' Art of Propagation," a beautiful octavo of .32 pages, and 25 fine embellishments, which sells readily at .50 cents per copy. To any one out of the county, for five dollars, f.ve copies and too books. No. 2. For Six subscribers, accompanied hyfiL-e dol- lars, we will send six co])ies of The Farmer, as above, and one copy of the "Life of Charles Dickens," by Mrs. Ilanaford, or "Driven to Sea," liy Mrs. Coupples, or "The Presidents and their Administrations," or "The Declaration of Independence." These are royal 12 mo. volumes of about 400 pages, handsomely illustrated, and sell for $1.50. No. 3, For ten subscribers, and ten dollars, ten copies, as above, and one box of "Kunklc's Celebrated Perfumes. " These boxes contain six bottles of perfume, the regular retail price of which is one dollar per bottle, or "The Century of Independence," price $2.50— very desirable premiums for local lady canvassers. No. 4. For ffteen subscribers, and fifteen dollars, we will send sixteen copies of The Farmer and a SIO.OO order on Peter Henderson, good for twenty-faicr choice flowering green-house plants, twenty packages of flower seeds, and twenty packages of vegetable seeds. Peter Hen- derson is known all over tlie Union, and there- fore nothing need be said about the quality of his goods. No. 5. For twenty subscribers, and eighteen dollars, ttoenty copies of The Farmer, and one copy of "Science in Story," consisting of a series of five illustratfed square 12 mo. volumes of 2.32 pages each (1160 pages). Please see onr literary columns for a more full description of this desirable series. No. 6. For twenty-five subscribers, and tweniy-fo^tr dollars, tv;enty-five copies of The Farmer and one of "Peck's Celebrated Atomizers," worth SIO.OO at least. This is the best ma- chine ever invented for throwing liquid solu- tions and decoctions on insect-infested plants. For an illustrated description of this machine see the May (1876) number of The Farmer, page 69. To clubs made up beyond the borders of Lancaster county the cash amount required will be greater, proportioned to the difl'erence in published terms, as to home and foreign subscriptions. Our canvassers can make these calculations upon the basis of our first propo- sition. We are making arrangements for additional inducements to subscribers, which, if accom- plished, will be announced in our February number. We also intend to increase our number of desirable illustrations for 1878, and add other embellishments, as fast as our means will allow, and we respectfully ask the public to help us make The Lancaster Farjler a credit to tlie "great county," and the people among whom it is located. Our tenth volume should be the crowning volume of the series — so we desire. ABOUT MOSQUITOES. The most abundant, and therefore the most common species of the mosquito in this lati- tude, is the "Culex pipiens," or "piping mos- quito," from the peculiar piping sound it makes when it is intent on giving its victim a jab in the dark. The cause of these pests making their appearance on the 20th of De- cember last, was in consequence of the high state of the temperature. We noticed bees on the wing the same day. Last winter we noticed a swarm of bees out on the wing, and very active in the month of February. Per- haps there is no class of animals that presents a greater variety in its developmental condi- tions than that of insects. Some produce one brood in three, four or five years ; some one, two, or three broods -within one year, or a summer season ; others again, continue to produce one brood after another as long as the favorable temperature of the weather permits them ; and this is especially the case with many species belonging to the order "Diptera," which includes all the two-winged flies, and to which the mosquito belongs. Progressive development depends upon cer- tain surrounding conditions, among which are heat, moisture and aliment, accordingly as the insect, for the time being, may be in its oval, its larval, its pupal or its mature state. Through the first three states all in- sects must successively pass before the last, or adult state can possibly be developed. The incubation of the egg requires a certain tem- perature, and as loug as it continues below the incubating degree, the eggs will be in a State of functional suspension for weeks and months together, and perhaps would continue so for years, unless they were subjected to such violent conditions as would destroy their vitality altogether. About one year ago nine carloads of silk- worms' eggs arrived at San Francisco from China and Japan, from whence they were shipped "across the Continent" to New York city, and from thence to different European ports, where silk-growing is made a specialty. AVith these eggs the incubating temperature was prevented by the introduction of ice, and so long as the temperature could have been kept below that point, these eggs might have been transported several times around the globe without their hatching. The same law governs the eggs of mosquitoes, except that they will hatch at a lower temperature than the eggs of the silkworm moth. There they all are, endowed with a vitality that is ready for further development as soon as the normal conditions supervene. And after the young larva; are excluded from the eggs, the case is the same. If surrounded by their special aliQient, they begin to feed, and if tins is not accessible, of course they all must perish. But if the temperature becomes too low, their further development is arrested, and their functions are suspended ; but their develop- ment is resumed as soon as the necessary degree of heat is restored, no matter what the season of the year is. And after the larvse are transformed to the pupa state, they are governed by the same laws ; and this is especially the case with the mosquitoes and the house-flies. We have seen the mature mosquito developed every month in tlie year. They and the "Perlidis" (shad-flies) require less heat for their development than perhaps any other families tliat belong to the Dipterous order. As soon as a few warm days in suc- cession supervene, whether in the months of December, January, February or March, the mosquito and the housefly will evolve from their pupal condition and come forth in tlieir perfect winged state, and will be ready to ap- propriate their accustomed aliment, whether it be to lap up "inconsiderable trifles," or to pierce human beings and suck their blood. But, should a "cold snap" intervene, their functions will become suspended and they will hibernate in some convenient nook or corner, until a return of their normal temperatiu-e. The larvfe of mosquitoes hatch, breed, and feed in stagnant pools of water, whether in a swamp, a pond, a marsh, a sluggish stream, a tank, a tub, or a rain stand. But they are always more abundant, develop more rapidly, and live a shorter period during summer than they do during winter. Those that come forth during the winter, in the winged state, are usually the retarded individuals >of the preceding autumn. The larvte of house-flies hatch, breed, and feed in cesspools, or in auy moist and decomposing and filthy animal or vegetable matter, and their sanitary effect, in the decomposition and removal of filthy gar- bage is incalculable. The larvfc of mosqui- toes purify ponds, pools and marshes, that otherwise might create miasmatic diseases. After flies and mosquitoes have passed the nuptial season, and have deposited their eggs, their life-lease is usually very limited ; but if those periods are from any cause interrupted or retarded, their lives may be greatly pro- longed. This accounts for the appearance and disappearance of house-flies and mosqui- toes during winter. It is a mistake to sup- pose tliat that these flies breed in the houses they occupy. A house that furnishes a nidus for the development of these flies, would re- quire to be an exceedingly filthy house — too filthy for any human being to live in. The ooze of baru-yards, pig-sties and slaughter- houses are prolific places for flies to breed in, but musquitoes must have stagnant water. This does not militate against the fact that a few flies also liibcruate during the winter season. Nor against the fact that those in- sects which produce only one brood during the year, will not be changed in their develop- mental conditions by either heat or cold, but will abide their appointed times and sea- sons. "ONLY A FARMER. This is about equivalent to Only a Shoe- maker, or Only a Blacksmith, or any other oc- cupation by which an honest living may be obtained. Now, this ought not to wound the feelings of either farmer, shoemaker or blacksmith, or any body else who labors for a living ; and it iimdd not, if they were all endowed with "sound discretion," or common intelligence. They might find occasion for pity, or even for contempt, but there is no oc- casion to feel wounded by such "codfishy" sentiments. "Did these foolish people ever read their Bibles, they would find that God himself had i-elected his prophets and kmgs from among farmers. Noah was a husbandman, and planted a vineyard ; Abraham was rich in cattle, and Lot had flocks and herds— inso- much that there was not pasture enough for both, and they divided the country. Lot se- lected the plain of Jordan, and Abraham took the hilly country of Canaan. ^ Jacob was a great cattle-grower, as he pre ■> seuted Esau with several hundred cattle. Moses was a wool-grower, and Gideon was taken from his threshing floor. Saul was a herdsman, even while he was king. David was a shepherd, and was from that occupa- tion to be king of Israel, and the ancestor, ac- cording to the flesh, of tli'e Messiah. Uzziah was a'' cattle-grower. Elisha was plowing, with twelve yoke of oxen before him, when Elijah cast his mantle on him and called him to be a prophet of the Most High. And yet, though God has honored the husbandman- selected his kings and prophets from among farmers— there are those so foolish as to cry ou^'Oh, he's nothing but a farmer !' "—Farm ana Shop. THE HORNED OWL. The following correspondence explains it- self : • „ „, ^„^„ QUABRTVILLE, Dec. 24, 187(. Mr. Rathvon— Si)'.— I send you this morning by express a large owl that was cauffht in my poul- try yard, and, as it is a tine lonkins; fellow, I thought you could make somethinij- of it ; and if not, please hand it over to somebody that can. They are rather scarce in this neighborhood. I have not seen one for several years. Please answer in the Intelligencer, srivino- se.t and species, and oblige yours as ever, - ° i- ' r.C.Edwabds. Tlianks to our considerate friend Edwards for his magnificent Christmas gift, although it is only an owl. He does not send us many things, but what he does send go very far to- wards distinguishing Quarryville, for they are always the handsomest and rarest of then- kind. Your bird is the "Great Horned Owl," [Baho viri/inianus) and a male specimen. They have a large geographical range, but are be- coming rare in tliis locality, which they usu- ally only visit in the winter season. This species feeds on partridges, rabbits, rats, field-mice, pigeons, chickens, reptiles, the larger beetles and moths, and whatsoever 1878. THE LANCASTER FARMER. else it can catch and master in an emergcnc)- — that is, when inrssod with hunger. Other- wise it is rallu'i' sliy of the luiinansiiecios, pre- fers remote I'orests, where it Iwilils a very rough nest of sticks, on very high trees, usually pine tress, which it lines Willi leaves. It deposits from three to six almost siiherical eg'j;s, of a dirty white, or hluish white color. The sexes do liot agree very well together except during the nuptial season, and therefore they are generally found solitary ; hut when two males meet they are almost certain to have a light, which often ends in till' death of one or the other. The male hird takes little or no inter- est in the building of the nest or in rearing the young. They seem to have very little af- fection for each other and therefore jirefer to be "let alone." They generally come forth from their retreats in the evening, or in the afternoon of cloudy days, in piu'suil of prey ; but they can also see in Ijright days, and maraud by day as well as night, when necessi- tated. They differ somewhat in their nesting habits in different localities, adajjting them- selves to surrounding circumstances; for in- stance, they are said to build their nests in clefts or on shelves of rocks, and also to prey on fish. In the far north they aie also said to become very much lighter iu color, or nearly white. Of course, we have had our owl "dressed and stuffed," but in that permanent style iu which he may be perpetuated for many Christ- mas days, and not in that transient manner which continues but a single hour, or for a day at most. In this permanent form he may be "discussed" over and over again, and may constitute the subject of many a mental feast. "Who would be a turkey hen, Fed and fattened in a pen, Kill'd and eat liy hunsry men, Upon a Christmas day" — when he might be as easily "immortalized" in a monument.al owl in the museum of the Linnrean Society V PROGRAMME OF MEETING OF THE PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. The Pennsylvania Board of Agriculture will meet at itarrisburg, on Wednesday, .Jan- uary 23, 187cS, at -2 P. :M., when the regular business of the Board will be transacted, and the Secretary will -read his annual report. The following essays will also be read : Breeding Stock. Best methods of inducing farmers to bieed better stock, by Prof. John Hamilton, State College. Comparative profit of difl'erent kinds of stock, by J. C. Morris, of Snsciuchanna. The comparative cost and profit of well and ill bred stock, by W. G. Moore, of Berks. Conditions and causes which infiuenee the character, color and sex of the offspring of our domestic animals, by Secretary. Sheep Husbandry. Breeds best adapted to Pennsylvania soil and climate, by Hon. John L. George, of AVashington. Best breed for profit, by Eastburu Tteeder, of Bucks. Effect of present dog laws, with suggestions for their improvement, by J. P. Barnes, of Lehigh. Fruit Growing by Farmers. How made a source of jnofit, by Rev. J.ames Calder, President Pennsylvania .State College. Varieties best adapted to Pennsylvania, bj' H. M. Engle, of Lancaster. How best secured and preserved, by Prof. D. Wilson, of Juniata. When, where and how to market, by D. H. Foresman, of Lycoming. Barnyard Manure. Best and most economical methods of man- ufacture, by Col. James Young, of Danphin. Time and mode of application, by E. G. Fahnestock, of Adams. Effect upon the various cultivated crops, by A. llobinson, of Mercer. At 7 P. M., Wednesday, January 2,3d, Prof. J. P. Lesley, State Geologist and Geologist of the Board" of Agriculture, will address the Legislature and Board of Agriculture. Sub- ject : .Soils, as regarded from the side of Geology. ^ ABOUT BATS. [The frtllowing article, which is being widely circulated through the public press, caimot but be interesting to all insect-stricken read- ers, especially as it illustrates the great value tliat a large conniiunity of bats must be to the vegetation in its vicinity, by the niglitly de- struction of noxious insects. A "bat-ciive" is tho best remedy against nightly insects, in the known world, we verily believe. Bats hang themselves up, out of the w.ay, during daylight, and come forth while we are sIccik ing at night, bent on their useful mission. The Bexar Bat-cave would be a real godsend to Lancaster county, or any other insect- ridden locality in the .State. — ^^Ed.] A Remarkable Bat Cave in Bexar County, Texas. A Chicago Times correspondent who has been roughing it with General Ord in Texas, tells the following : Toward nightfall we drove toward tho bat cave. There was a thunder shower all around the horizon, but the fevered earth appeared to evaporate the moisture as it touched the sur- face. And the temporary rain brouglit the heat of a Turkish bath — the perspiration roll- ing down our faces in little cataracts. If any of our chilly people want what they call here in brief, unpoetic Saxon, "a good sweat," let them come down about the middle of August and wait here until about this time. There will be no superfluous grease left when they get through. When within less than a mile of the cave, which is situated on the crest of a high bluff, that may be called an irregular table land. General Ord directed my attention to an im- mense dark shadow in the horizon, extending from the ground line high up into the heavens. It had all the appearance of a strong volume of smoke issuing from the funnel of some gigantic ocean steamer. "It looks like smoke," said the General, "but it is simply a cloud of bats issuing from the cave." On approaching nearer I could distinctly make out the flying vermin, which were, truly, thicker than the densest swarm of bees I have ever seen, and there appeared to be no end to them. We soon reached the cave, which dips into a brambly gorge, and from the capacious mouth shaped like the half choked arch of a bridge, we could see the bats flying out iu tens of thousands, the column growing deeper every second. They rose majestically in the ether, and then scattered in pursuit of their insect prey, extending themselves, doubtless, over an area of coun- try simply incomputable. They go in circles, or else "zigz.ig" through the air, but they find their way home, no matter how far they may wander, with unerring in.stinct, guided in some measure, perhaps, by the strong am- monial odor which arises from the guano which they have deposited throughout ages in their abiding place. They begin to leave the cave every afternoon as .soon as the sun has, in some measure, lost his power, and they keep leaving at an enormous rate mitil nine o'clock in the evening, remaining away until the fir.st streak of dawn, when they begin to return, and do not all get back until the fore- noon is well advanced. They are a light-col- ored bat, full of parasites, and breed a smell not at all calculated to stimulate the appetite. The cave is as gloomy a,s the realms of Pluto, having a gentle decline for some hun- dreds of feet, the roof being quite lofty and the floor covered to an inc.^lculable deptli with guano deposit, which exhales an efflu- viumcalculated to knock down the strongest kind of a horse. There are two chambers, one opening into the other, the first being the larger of the two. Both are oval in shape, and would, if the bats were only away, make an excellent abode for outlaws. Scott would have loved to describe such a retreat in his picturesque tale of "Bob Hoy AfcGrcgor." The guano will be more eflii-ient as a barrier against desperadoes than all the i)Olice in Texas. Bats, as you know, do not perch singly, but hang to the wall and to each other just as bees do in "swarm." Tho tempera- ture of the cave is sullicii'utly low to prevent them from becoming heated, and how they manage to sujiport the enormous weight of their own masses is a question which only practical naturalists can solve. They manage to do it though, without the sliglitest appar- ent discomfort. And there can not, at a moderate computation, be less than thirty millions of bats in those enormous caves ! Just think what a destruction they work on the insects of the air. Only for them neither man nor beivst could stand the couidleas swarms of the infernal Texas flies, which have no respect for rank, age, sex, color, or previous condition, and are perfectly indiffer- ent about whether they bite a man with or without the beastly prickly heat. Before the sun had fairly risen Hennessy, the driver, aroiised Gen. Ord thus : "General, I think you had better get up. Wc are hav- ing a norther." This aroused us all, and wc listened. Our camp was full two furlongs from the cave, and wc could hear a sound ''.as of many waters" — in volume not unlike Niagara. Said Gen. Ord: "A norther! Why that sound is caused by the returning bats." We looked and saw the tremendous column pouring down from the skies and rushing with amazing velocity into the gorge surrounding the mouth of the cave. Wc went down to the spot, and the noise became .so loud that we almost doubted whether a storm was not raging around us. But the trees were almost unshaken, and the sun rose like a shield of flame, from beyond the heights of Guadaloupe. The sweep of the moimtain rains through the rocky jaws of the Cihoka could not have made such conmiotion, and every moment increased the tumult. We stood there until we grew tired, and still that mighty mass kept streaming from the loaded air, while the opening of tho cave was as etlectually veiled from us as if a curtain had been dropped before, so deep was the volume of "the returning janizaries." This con- tinued, as I have already remarked, until late in the morning, but we could not wait for all to return. We loaded up and drove away more deeply impressed with the mysteries of the great universe than if a hundred long- haired professors had lectured us for a month in a college devoted to the teaching of natural history. ^ JANUARY. Kitchen-Garden Calendar. Ix THE Middle States.— .January is un- favorable to out-door labor, in tiie garden es- pecially but little is done. The forcing-beds and green-houses will, of course, require par- ticular attention ; and the active man may find something to do in preparing for a more congenial season. Poles and rods for best lirnps formed, (by the way, compost is beyond all comparison the best form in which to apply fertilizers to most vegetable crops, and ample supplies may be readily made by proper atten- tion, as the materials present themselves from time to time during the year :) fruit trees pruned ; /)«?;/« clipped — those formed of ever- greens not until the frost has disappeared ; (isparar/us-hcih top-dressed, preparatory to be- ing dug when frost has ceased ; when new ones are to be made, jtlant the calhssal. Ilot-brds for early forcing may be made, and other jobs will present themselves in anticipa- tion of spring. Where there exists the will to work, the opportunity for the useful dis- position of time is ever present. — Lundretti's R. B. .1- A. THE LANCASTER FARMERS [Janual'y, STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE OF BERKSHIRE SWINE. Adopted by the American Berkshire Asso- ciation. Color. — Black, with white on feet, face, tip of tail, and an occasional splash on the ami. 4 Face xsd Sxout. — Short, the former fine and well dished, and broad be- tween the eyes - - - - 7 Eye. — Very clear, rather large, darkhazcl or gray ...... 2 Eae.— Generally almost erect, bnt some- times inclined forward with advanc- ing age, medivnn size, thin and soft - 4 Jowl. — Full and heavy, running well back on neck - - . - 4 jSTeck.— Short, and broad on top - - 4 Hair. — Fine and soft, medium thickness .3 Skin. — Smooth and pliable - - - 4 Shoulder. — Thick and even, broad on top, and deep through chest - - 7 Back. — Broad, short and straight, ribs well sprung, coupling close up to hip 8 Side. — Deep and well let down, straight on bottom line . - - - 6 Flaxk. — Well back, and low down on lesr, making nearly a straight line with lower part of side - - - .5 Loin. — Full and wide - - - - 9 Ham. — Deep and thick, extending well up on back, and holding thickness well down on the hock - - - - 10 Tail. — Well set up on back, tapering and not coarse . - - . 2 Legs.— Short, straight and strong, set wide apart, with hoofs erect, and capable of holding good weight - - 5 Symjietry. — Well proportioned through- out, depending largely on condition 5 CoxDiTiON.^In a good healthy growing state, not over-fed - - - - 6 Style. — Attractive, spirited, indicative of thorough breeding and constitu- tional vigor 5 100 JAPANESE PERSIMMON orDATE PLUM We embellish this number of The Farmer with illustrations of two of the best varieties of this delicious and valuable fruit, (see illustrations preceding first page,) which is now being grown in different parts of our country — especially along the Pacific slope, in California — where its successful culture seems to be fully established. Competent au- thorities claim tliat it commends itself to the public in possessing the following qualities : 1st. The tree is highly ornamental, a pro- lific bearer, hardy as the pear, and fruits early. 2d. Its fruit is solid, and may be easily transported to any part of the country. 3d. Its season is from October to March, when other fresh fruits are scarce. When dried, it is equal to figs, and can be kept a long time. 4th. It is of a bright yellow, orange, or ver- milion color, according to variety ; is unsur- passed for the table, and is considered equal to the peach or pear for that purpose; some specimens of the fruit have attained the weight of one pound each, although the usual average is about three-quarters of a pound. .5th. The six best varieties are the Im- perial, NiiioN, Daimio, Mikado, Yamato, and the Taikoon. The two choice varieties are those accompanying this numljer of our journal, namely, the Yamato, and the Mikado, the others being approximations to these forms. 6th. They will fruit in from two to three years, and are as successfully grafted as peaches or pears. Trees can be sent liy mail, on orders to the amount of five dollars and upwards ; and may be obtained from Ilcnry Leomis, Nos. 419 and 421 Sansom street, San Francisco, California. Trees from 1 to 3 years old, from one to three dollars, and seeds, one dollar per dozen. This fruit is recommended to be planted the same as the apple or pear. A light gravelly soil is preferable. The older the trees are, the better is the tlavor of the fruit. The first and second year after bearhig, the fruit is somewhat astringent, and contains no seeds ; but the older it grows, it improves in size and flavor, and is never affected by the curculio. The trees are said to attain the age of one hundred years, and grow very large. Among the testimonials as to the quality of the fruit, and the character of the vender of the trees, are such names as Prof. Asa Gray, Admiral Rodgers, Hon. W. M. Evakts, Prof. E. I^^orth, X. Y.; Hon. B. G. North- rop, Conn., and many other notable names in various parts of the country. Japan, or rather, we may say, the Japanese Islands — for there are are a number of these known to foreign nations under the collective name of Japan — lie mainly l)etween the 30th and .55th degrees of north latitude ; and be- tween the 133d and 1.53d degrees of west longitude from AVashington ; or, the 130th and 150th east from Greenwich. Between the degrees of latitude above named lies all the territory belonging to the United States (except Alaska,) includhiga portion of Canada on the North, and a strip of Mexico on tlie South. The peninsula of Florida extends be- low the southern line of latitude we have above mentioned, a considerable distance. The United States lie between the 7th degrees east, and the 47tli west, from Washington, in their longitudinal location, and between the G9th and 127th west from Greenwich. We don't pretend that this is geographically cor- rect to the minute, but the territories we liave mentioned are included within the latitudinal and longitudinal lines we have enumerated, except, as before mentioned, Alaska on the north, and Florida on the south ; and our ob- ject in making these geographical notations, is to illustrate, not only the pussihilitij of suc- cessfully growing the "Japanese Persimmon"' in latitudes of our country that are parallel with tliose in its native country, but also its probability. It is true tliat temperatures of latitude are not always the same in difierent longitudes, and limited territories surrounded by water are also more or less affected cli- matically by such situations, and this is also the case, in some degree, by coast or inland locality. But we may fairly infer that time will as suc- cessfully work an acclimation in this fruit, as it has done witli melons from Asia, pears from the East Indies, filberts from Greece, walnuts and peaches from Persia, beans from Egypt, cucumbers from the Tropics, apples from the East, chestnuts from the Sardis, cherries from Asia, apricots from Armenia' and many other species of vegetation, now successfully cultivated within our territory, whicli were originally brought from remote localities. The proper northern protection and southern exposure are also involved even in the successful cultivation of many of the fruits which are now acclimated amongst us, and we may expect that it will be equally, if not more important, in this fruit. We are advancing in years — on the downhill of life — and we therefore are not sanguine of seeing the Japanese Persimmon becoming a subject of general culture, but we verily believe that our posterity u-ill, and if we can benefit pos- terity we are willing to abnegate ourself. There is a latitudinal belt including the Soutliern and Border States, in which it can unquestionably be successfully cultivated, if it will not thrive farther north ; in Southern and middle California it thrives as well as it does in .Japan itself, and as a general rule averages larger fruit. Among the liill and forest locations of southern Lancaster cAunty it ought to flourish, and no doubt will, if pro- erly cultivated. We remember well the time when our common tomato was regarded as exclusively a house plant, and was i)otted and raised merely for an ornament. Nobody thought of growing it out in the garden, and this was the same witli the egg-plant, but time and practical experience has solved the problem and has wrought such a change as demonstrates that there is no crop more hcalth- fid than the tomato crojj, and as a general thing it is also remunerative. If those of our patrons who desire to make a trial in cultivating the fruit will send to Mr. Loomis, as above directed, for a descrip- tive circular, they will learn all the particu- lars in reference to its liabits, prospects, and sponsors, and may thus be alile to act with reasonable intelligence upon the sidsject. MYSTERIES OF A COLD AIR SPRING.* Interesting Description of the Martic Town- ship Cave — Scientific Theories Concerning It. Hearing wonderful and seemingly reliable reports of stalactites, immice or volcanic scoria, etc., being found at and in the vicinity of the Wind Cave, in the northwestern sec- tion of Mavtic townslup, Lancaster county. Pa., my mineralogical friend, Geo. S. Lam- born, and myself, recently visited the place to ascertain the facts. At York Furnace station on the Columbia & Port Deposit Railroad, we were joined by Mr. .James Clark and his son, of Mount Nebo. We ascended the river hill to the cave by a path purposely prepared for visitors by Mr. John Bair, of York Furnace, distant one- third of a mile south-east of the station. En- tering one of the openings, about large enough to admit one man at a time, and creeping about fifteen feet, we descended into a cavity twelve or fifteen feet in diameter and of equal height, from which a number of horizontal galleries extend in different directions. The largest of these we followed for about eighty feet, to a point where it is closed with loose stones, the passage way varying in width from one to seven feet and from four to fifteen feet high. The smaller galleries do not exceed twenty feet in length. Ten yards northeast from where we first entered is another open fissm-e, forty feet of which, to where it is closed with fallen stones, can be seen from the outside. Beyond these stones we descended perpendicularly from an opening above to a depth often feet, by means of a pole and the assistance of the Messrs. Clark. Here the fissure is four or five feet wide, narrowing and deepening as we proceed- ed until it became so narrow that we could not get fiu'thcr. This point we estimated to be 170 feet distant horizontally from the place where wu ent(-red, and 85 feet belovv the top of the ground, directly overhead. At least a hun- dred feet of this gallery is so narrow that but one man can pass at at a time, being from ten to thirl y feet high. Tlie sides are regular and mostly solid. We concluded that with proper appliances the narrow point, which was at the extent of our exploration, might be passed. Beyond, as far as we could see, there seemed to be more room. There are, however, no indications of a very extensive cave here — a thing not to be expected anywhere in the oldest stratified rocks. The dip of the rocks is from northeast to southwest, with many parallel seams ex- tending northwest and southeast. It would seem that at some great upheaval two of these seams opened, when large blocks of stone fell in and prevented them from clos- ing when the rocks subsided. On the hill above, there are a number of "sinks," show- ing that the stones and earth have subsided into openings below. These caves or crevices have been known for forty years as the Cold Air Spring, so named on account of a cold current of air which issues from the openings at times. There was no such current at the time of our visit, but Mr. tUark informed us that lie had observed it so strong as to disturb the leaves around the opening. Our theory for this strange current was that the northwest wind would drive tlirough the lower crevices of the 'Read before the Linuffian Society Decerober 29, 1ST7, by W, P. Bolton. 1878.] THE LANCASTER PARMER. rot:ks wlieu, dining: warm wenlliei-, it would be warnun- tliuu the air iiisiilo. aiiuitil the approac h i n g spring. While, therefore, they do not evolve the same amount of heat during winter as in the sunmier sea- son, there is still a certain portion constantly thrown off during cold weather. Tn proof of this fact, we need only call attention to the fact that snow always melts more rapidly around the stems of plants and vegetables, the trunks and limbs of trees, and, in short, of all vegetable substances having life, than when brought into contact with any other class of inorganic matter. Dr. Darliu;:ton, in his Flom Cestrica, in speaking of the Dittany saj's ; ''In the begin- ning of winter, after a r.ain, very curious rib- hruiiJn of Ice may often be observed attached to the base of tlie stems — prodnced, I presume, by the moisture of the eartli, rising iu the dead stems liy capillary attraction, and then beinsi gi-.idually forced out liorizontally, through a .slit, by the process of freezing." The Dittany is not the only plant that pre- sents this curious and beautiful ]ieculiarity. The Frost Wred (Ilelianthemum C'anadense) also has it. and doubtless the striated ice crys- tals that our cnrrespi>ndent speaks of, have their origin in the cracked bark at the roots or stem of the plant close to the surface of the ground. If our correspondeut has access to a file of the Si-ientijic Amfriran, he will lind in No. 14, bearing date of April 7, l>i77, an article by the eminent naturalist Dr. Le Conte on the subject, and in Xo. 8, February ■J4, 1877, of the same pi'riodical, another article on the same subject by ,J. Stauffer, esq., of this city, who as long ago as 18.')7, in tlie FelMuary number of the lli'dictdtitriHt, took tlie ground we have advanced above. — Ke^c Era. PEDIGREE OF SHORT-HORN BULL JAVELINE, 23525. Ked Roan, calved April SHth, 187.") ; bred by W. C. Allen. Buffalo ; sold to S. .J. Whee- ler, Kinnedy, \tw York ; got by Patrician, 12.")7I), out of Undine 1.")tli l)y Prince of Wales, 00(j4— Undine 7th by Duke, 470'.)— Undine 3d by Snowden, 12U.'i7 — Undine by Fiery Comet, .3i>.'?2 — Wilhelmina by imp. liuckingham 2d, 297 — Arabella 5th by Oregon, ISKU — Princess by Young Norfolk, ll.'itV— Arabella 4ih by Shaks|)eare. 21'. — imp. Arabella by Victory, ■'J.dG.^— Sally by Major, 22.j2— Old Sally by a grandson of Favorite, 2.52— by Punch, 531 — liy Hubback, 8IJ'.). This bull was sold to John Dauphin county. Pa., by S. J. Allwine, of Wheeler, of SHORT-HORN BULL JAVELINE, 23525, owned by Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy, Pa. New York, and by him to Henry Kurtz, of Mount .Toy, Pa., October 20th, 1877. It wi'l be seen from the foregoing that the above named animal has a very distinguished ancestry, and therefore those of our patrons who desire to breed good stock, will know exactly where to go to secure that end. -^ CLUBBING. AVc ofler TnR F.vumer, clubbed with other first-class publications, at the following prices : Phrenological Journal and Fahmer - 8^? 00, $2..')0 Harper's Monthly an^VKmnTM - - - 5.00, 4 00 Harper's Weekly and Farmer - - . 5.00, 4.00 //ai/jfr'.s jSa^ni- and Fahmeu - - - . .5.00, 4.00 Herald of Health &wAYKYK-iiv.H - - - 2.00, 1..50 Xathmal TAve Stoek Jorirnal a.nAYk'R^^v. 3.00, 2..50 J/biiH/ Jbi/ 7/ti"a!J and Farmer - - 2.50, 1.75 The first column indicates the regular prices of the two journals respectively, and the second column the club rates if the two are ordered together. 1^ Canvassers wanted for The Far.ver. Send i'or circular. Liberal inducements. ADDRESS.* Gentle.mkn : In siccordancewith a custom adojited by my predecessors, it Incomes my duty to address vou at this, the beginning of the new year. J)oublle.'w many of yon would much rathi'r listen to an e.ssay on some agri- cultural topic, such as many of you an; much more able to compose than I, tlian to thus ad- dress you at this, the lirst meeting of the j-ear 1878, and the twelfth since the organization of the society. The year just closed has been one that the agriculturist should look back to with grateful remembrance. If not one of gene- ral commercial ])rosperity, the cultivator of the soil has certainly been blessed with remu- nerative crops, considerably above the aver- ago of the last ten years. The i>rices, loo, realized have been sutiicient to encourage (he the husbandman to pro.secute his calling with renewed energy and thankfulnes.s. The many evidences of prosjierity among the rural dis- tricts show unmistakable signs of the ability of our farmers to command the respect of all unprejudiced Americans. They that possess a few acres, and are able to till'it under their own supervision, may be happy in the name that classes them witli the progi-cssive agri- culturLst, while the turbulent mercantile world is search- ing every avenue to avoid the muiky Hood of bankru)itcy,that seems likely to swallow those who have been extra v.agant and — i. improvident y housekeepers. I am sorry to see the great ambi- tion of mankind of the present age seems to be to excel each oth e r in fine "turnouts," as if that alone would establish a name, r a n k and title to re- spectaliility.that would give them a posi t i o n of (•([uality among the so-called aristocrats of the day. I am reminded just here of the words of the poet Young — "The man who builds and wants wherewith to pay, Provides a home from which to run away." In looking over the past year, I cannot but refer to the great loss to our society of the mild, genial and ever-i>leasant countenance of our late departed memlter, Levi Pownall. His presence among us was always an omen of interest in the proceedings ; his gentle dis- position, and good, sound judgment on all matters under consideration by the society, could not but command the admiration of all whose privilege it was to commune with him. His heart being always in the right place, ho ever had words of kindness to all who ap- proached him, and his amiable disposition and dignitied and quiet manner commanded the respect of every one. In referring to the past year, I trust the success of the thrifty husbandman will stimu- late a new era in agriculture. Let there be a di-spositioii among the tillers of the soil to excel in the ]>roduction of crops. If one acre can be made to produce over sixty bushels of wheat (while the aveiage is less than twenty- five), why cannot whole fields be made to yield likewise "? The very best methods of cultiva- 'Rend before the Lsnraeter Conntj- .\KriculturaI and KorticiUtursl Society, by I'lesldeut C»lvin Cooper. 6 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ January, tion should be adopted that will produce the largest result. If improved machiuery and modern modes of cultivation can achieve a revolution in the productiveness of the soil, he who adopts them must certainly have greater chances of success than the one who pursues the old rut and complains that his farming "don't pay." There is evidently much room for still greater improvement. Careful experiment on a small scale at tirst, would cost but a trifle, while the result might be a field of great benefit to a community. Occasionally, we hear of other sections pro- ducing great crops of corn, yielding in some instances over one hundred bushels to the acre. If that, however, should be the stand- ard, I fear there would be few to reach it, but this .should not deter any from making every eflbrt within his means to take the most that can be produced from every acre under cultivation. I do not wish to insinuate that our farmers are not progressive, but I think there is still a wide field for improvement. With the noted fertility of our soil, much is expected of us ; hence we should show to the world, by our products, that this truly is the garden spot of the great State of Pennsyl- vania. I also wish to commend the growing disposition of the ruralist to adorn their homes with the more modern style of archi- tecture. I look forward with pleasure when this county will compare favorably with any of the State, in its handsome "country villas," with neatly clipped lawns, with a few specimen shade trees, shrubbery or flowers, as the taste .and purse of its possessor can afford. "What adds so much to the attraction of a home as neat, well kept grounds ? Ten yards of sward, in good order, will soon suggest other little improvements, such as a flower here, a bush there, soon a bed of annuals that can be grown at the expenditure of a few pennies, at most, which will add more to the comforts and real enjoyment of home than dollars spent in the vanities of the present day. What man returning in the evening to his home, weary of his labors of a hot sum- mer day, but will be attracted and refreshed by the delicious fragrance of an ever-blooming heliotrope, a choice rose, a modest carnation or the thousands of other plants that are given us to make pleasant and adorn the home ! "Be it ever so humble, There is no place like home." The growing interest in the proceedings of our society suggests a wider field of useful- ness ; hence it becomes our duty, as it should be our pleasure, to open wide the door of welcome to all who encourage us with their presence at our meetings. An essay on some subject of interest might be a part of the exercise of every session. A lecturer from abroad occasionally (if publicly announced,) would have a tendency to bring out many that have not as yet graced our rooms with their presence, and foster that social feeling that induces mankind to mingle together as one family, and exchange views and opinions that may result in a mutual benefit to all. You could also add spirit, and very much assist the chair, by a little more prompt action on the various subjects that are brought up for your consideration. I find too many among you who do not seem inclined to take part until called upon by the chair. This to me does not seem proper, but at times is the only alternative I have to bring out the sense of the society on the numerous subjects under discussion. I therefore trust in the future you will not wait an invitation, but promptly act, and to the point, on axl matters brought to your attention. In conclusion, I tender 3'ou my most heart- felt thanks for the uniform kindness and re- spect you have shown me during the two years I have had the honor to preside as your chairman. I also renew my appeal for pardon for any act that would wound the feelings of any member or others taking part in the proceed- ings, and humbly trust that you will believe that it has ever been my desire to increase the usefulness of the Lancaster County Agri- cultural and Horticultural Society. CARE OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS.* As a rule, domestic animals fare better in the summer than in winter. When they have access to pasture and water in the sum- mer season, they will generally take care of themselves, and go into winter-quarters in from fair to good condition, but these same animals, in many instances, come out the fol- lowing spring with barely their frames. This picture applies not only to owners of stock that are possessed of limited means, and can ofttimes not obtain the necessary provender for even a few animals ; but there are many who have good farms with abund- ant means, and provisions to bring llieii' stock out of winter-quarters as well as it went in, but prefer to add the "mighty dollar" to their pile by selling more hay and grain at the expense of the flesh on their animals, ex- cept such as are intended for the shambles. This short-sighted policy, if not killing, is at least starving the "goose that lays the golden egg." It has been proven beyond contradic- tion that the cheapest method to raise live stock, is to keep it in a thriving condition, by which there is a saving of both time and feed. Milch cows, especially good ones, will only pay well when well fed. Working ani- mals will do more work and are less liable to disease when well fed and cared for. If, however, dollars and cents were the only consideration in this connection, we might let the matter rest, and let everybody conduct the management of his own animals in his own way ; but in this enlightened age, where the law takes cognizance of inhuman conduct towards dumb brutes, it would be well for every one to know to what extent he can starve his animals and remain within the pale of the law. Societies for the preven- tion of cruelty to animals have done very much to educate public sentiment to a higher standard. Although there are still manj' who claim the right to do with their own ani- mals what they please, there are not a few who have been taught very different lessons, and many more there are that should be taught, in this nineteenth century, where cruel inflictions of punishment are no longer tolerated by law and public sentiment, is it not high time that a similar law be extended to our dumb animals ? and also the masses be educated up to the same standard V From a humane stand-point, it does seem cruel to e.^;- pose animals out doors in the winter season, to rain, sleet and snow, with only coarse feed that will barely sustain life until again the earth puts forth vegetation ; and when such animals, sometimes by great effort, .succeed in getting a better morsel, by accident or other- wise, they are clubbed by their inhuman masters, as if they perfectly understand their offense. Our noble animal, the horse, is ofttimes subjected to treatment by men of ungoverna- ble passions, that should not fail to call forth to his protection not only the strong arm of the law, but also of public sentiment. Many cases may be seen that are similar, but much more inhuman than the conduct of Baalam toward his ass. The Arab treats his horse with such kindness that would put to shame a majority of horse owners in Christendom. The circumstance related of the Arab who refused to sell Ins horse to a Christian, lest he would beat him, is no compliment to the Christian name ; neither does it place the lat- ter in a very enviable position, when he applies heavily his whip to his horse through mud or rain, in order to be in time for religious ser- vices. The horse, after a fatiguing trip, ofttimes must stand exposed to rain or sleet, while his master is edified with the G<.ispel of mei'C}', love, and kindness to all. Of all the domestic animals, none has been more cruelly tortured than the swine. A gate or bars is left open, or a rail is out of the fence, the "Read before the LancaBter County Agricultural and Qorticsajtiual Society by K. M. Engle. dumb brute gets to where are not her assigned rations, another brute or two, perhaps not quite so dumb, are sent to bring her out of mischief ; the consequence often is an ear or two partially torn from her head with other lacerations that may cause intense suffering tor weeks or months, and all this because the brutes had presumably not as much sense as their owner. This is not an over-drawn pic- ture of what has happened hundreds of times. Fortunately, however, in this section, swine are mostly kept in confinement, hence such inhuman scenes as were formerly common, are now rarely transacted. The assertion is hereby boldly made, that any person that causes, knowingly, any unnecessary suffering to be inflicted upon man or animals, is not worthy the name of moral, let alone the name Christian. As the finer feelings are cultivated in man, the effects upon domestic animals must be obvious, in consequence of their more humane treatment, for there are few animals that do not recognize kindness, but above all, he who bestows the most of it will invariably reap the greatest benefit. There is, therefore, a wide field open for the promotion of happi- ness to man, and the comfort of his servants, the domestic animals, besides the enjoyment of dollars and cents derived by keeping them. COMMUNICATION. Editok Lancaster Farmer. — Please ac- cept the greetings of your old friend "Hum- bolt." After so long an absence he again of- fers you his services to the support of The Farmer, and hereby proposes to review im- partially each number, with the object of im- pressing its contents more emphatically upon its readers. Very valuable matter in publi- cations is ofttimes entirelj' overlooked, unless special attention is called thereto, while questionable articles frequently passed un- challenged. He does, however, not intend to criticise any editorial matter intentionally, nor assume any editorial functions, but will ape a little after editors in using the word we, instead of ■/, which you know appears more authoritative, and assumes somewhat of dig- nitj'. He will also prefix his name with some- thing of a title, but tlie most important part of his communications will be their style. You know, Mr. Editor, that many of the words in our language,, have more letters than is convenient for expression. Phonetic is, therefore, destined to be the style of our language by and by, and for the purpose of educating our young farmers up to that stan- dard, has this method been decided upon for our future writing. It is, however, not the common phonetic, but a kind of fonetic of our own, which we think will be highly ap- preciated by our young friends. You will observe that we have omitted the letter d, which is useless in the word Humholt, and we expect to save the writing of many a letter by our improved method. Annexed hereto, you will find a sample of our future style and manner, which the readers of The Farmer may expect in the forthcoming numbers. — Von Humbolt, Jan., 1878. Revu of a fu Articles in the Dec. No. The article of "Ruralist" is to the point, and any farmer hu has neglected his hints, has dun so at his own expens, only we dont understand his "fowl air." We wonder how al the riters on bees would work together, if tha wcr put into won hive ? Oleomargarine seems destined to take care of itself, but if we must eat tallow instead of butter, we wud lik to no it. The man hu sold dog fat for lard, did not tel the bj'er, so the latter never got either wors or better for it. "Ten Rules for Farmers," page 186, shud hav bin printed in capitals. It is tu v.aluable tu be overlooked. — V. II. [We admire the orthographical economy of Von Hiimcolt, but \vc are astonished at his extravegauce in wasting the letter W on "tallo."— Ed. ^ We would ask every reader of The Far- mer to try and procure us a new subscriber. 1878.J THE LANCASTER FARMER. THE RELIANCE RASPBERRY. This rasi)beny lias never been known to "winter-kill," and we place this statement here in the foreground, lieeaiise, with all imaginable exeellenec in all other respects, of wliat value is it if held by .such an unstable tenure as winter-killing '? In the opinion of the (\'ntennial .ludges, who awarded it one of the prize medals, it approaches the "Philadelphia" in general appearance, but is a mueli finer berry, and the judges were also impressed with the be- lief "that it would ]n-ove a valuable va- riety. Tlie Reliance is of a stalky habit, very short jointed, with lironiinent buds and dark, heavy foli- age, great vigor of growtii, and perfect- ly hardy, showing perfectly heal thy, uninjured buds on tlie very tips of the canes. Fruit large, many of them two and a half inches in cir- cumference, round- ish, with large, fleshy seed-beds.'ad- liering slightly to the germ. Color, dark rele, pro and con, is that no kind of hive or dntnestlcated bees attack Of despoil sound fruit of any kind. If they did one year, they would every year. If Itiiliaii bees destroy sound grapes in" Lancas- ter county, they siu'ely would the jirapes of our lake rci^inn, where tliey attain such per- fection, and also the more su^rary varieties of France and Italy, else we muxt admit tliat tlieir instincts chanpe. A kind Providence has fjiven to man the honey bee, and furnished its natin'al food «'»;"//.< in «(»», x'l'.ssela. Hut when we liiid her indoniilable industry l)roinptinL; hi-r to save what she finds vfoins to loss, we oufiht to coniniend. not. censure. We shall ask, then, as tlie verdict of your readers, tliat the defendant, Italian bees, "i\o( Guil- fy, " and that they be discharged from the odium heaped upon them; tliat when the circling year sh.all usher in the fjlad spring time, witli its beauty and its bloom, she may jjo forth on her mission of love, i>rovidin2 a bouutil'ul harvest of sweetness for herself, for her friends and her foes, — W. J. Davis, Youngsvilh', Fa. , Dec. 1.S77. For Thk t.ANCA6TER FARMER. CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS. Dear Sir. — It gives rae pleasure in ac- cordance with your cxprcsaecl wish, to .state the results of my experience in the chemical fertilization of wheat. I began in the fall of 1870 the application of chemicals to the soil, with view of increas- ing its fertility. I had perceived beiiellts, more or less marked, arising from the appli- cation of various patented anlislied the food of jdants, and_it only remained for iiractical experiment to determine the proportions. There was no mysterious secret tiiat coulil embrace the "value of a ton of such compounds from ten to thirty dollars a ton over the cost of ingre- dients, and the manipulations of the chemi- cals were so simiile as could be done by any man of average intelligence. Ex]ii rience has demonstrated that the manure of cattle, pro- perly fermented and rotted, is a universal manure ; or to speak more plainly, it contains all the elements lliat are necessary to ))lant life. Taking this as a basis, I prepared a formula, comprising all its organic and inorganit ma- terial, and in as near the same proiiortion as analysis had establishc-d it. Jly phosiihoric acid was derived from burnt bone ; ammonia from sulphate of ammonia ; potassa from muriate of ])otash — 87 ' ; niagnesia from crude sulphate. When formula! ed the mixture showed 10 per cent, of suljibate and pho.s- lihoric acid, 4 per cent, of ammonia and liotassa, 1^ per cent ammonia and potassa, 1.4 per cent, of magnesia, etc. The cost of mix- ture w-as forty dollars per ton. and I applied it to my wheat at the rate of 3.")0 jionnds per acre, drilling with seed, with the following re- sults : The Hrst field contained iii) acres, hilly, of light sandy soil, and from which, prior to drilling, I had removed over two hundred loads of quartz stones. This Held had been cropped four successive years, anil eaiOi time was seeded to clovir withoui any result. In rye in '73 it yielded 12 bushels. The crop of wheat for '74. '7") and '76 were resjiectively 12. 8 and 41 bushels to an acre. The land .seemed a fair speeiiuen of utter exhaustion, and thus peculiarly adapted for exiieviment. To demonstrate beyond doubt the eflects of the chemicals, I left a belt of land, running the entire length of the held, tlirough its middle, wliieh, though unfertilized, received the same culture and seeding. The heavy equinoctial storm tlrat prevailed shortly after seedini;, washed and indicted very considera- ble damage. The fertilized portion showed its siqieriority from its lir.st appearance above ground, and at the time of harvest the lield liresented the appearance as if a land had been cradled through it. The wheat on the unferlilized belt was not over 12 inches high, and the most scrutinizing examination failed to detect a single clover plant ; its iirodiict in wheat was nil. The firtilized portion showed a heavy stand of straw and good head, W('ll lilled, and when harvested, the average of the entire lield was 2bA bushels — thresher's meas- ure, weighing 02| liounds to the bushel. The stand of clover was sjilendid, more lux- uriant than 1 had ever before seen. The second tield contained 20 acres, but of land in mueli better order. It had yielded thirty-live bushels of corn, followed Ijy a crop of oats — twenty-seven bushels. The soil was medium heavy and micaceous ; the surface rocks of quartz and sandstone, and with a northern exposure. The same culture and quantity of fertilizer was applied, and seeded to timothy at the time of drilling. The growth of grain was continuous from its lirst appearance above ground, and a short time before harvest was pronounced the lincst show in our county ; it was estimated from 40 10 45 bushels. A violent storm, however, pros- trated nearly one half of it, and compelled the use of scythes to secure it. The heads of prostrate wlieat did not mature, aud in many cases not half tilled. Tlie portion uninjured was very fine, but the yield was not kejit separate. The average of the entire tield was 30^ bushels, weighing 63 pounds to the bushel. The timothy was most luxuriant — over 18 inches in height. Tile third experiment was ou 20 acres in two iilots, one of 22 acres was in corn, of a light soil and micacecms, with a surface rock of quartz and limestone, and southern hill- side. The yield of corn was 25 bushels to an acre, and owing to its removal, the wheat was not drilled till October 2d. The other plot of 8 acres was a strong tenacious clay, with limestone surface rocks, and which was in a tough blue grass sod. It had been in wheat 7 years prior, ami liad then produced 14 bushels of wheat without manure. The .same applica- tion was made as before, and seeded to clover. Being of southern exposure, it escaped the siorm ; the growth of straw was very heavy. The i>roduct of both patches was threshed together, and the yield was 32J bushels per acre, weighing 64 pounds to the bushel. The stand of clover on corn land was very indif- ferent, and upon the clay sod the natural grasses choked it out entire, so I plowed u)) both pieces and reset with wheat. In order to ascertain if increased quantity of anv one of ingredients in fertilizer were needed liy the land, I top-dre.sscd in March, each field with each ingredient separate. There was no re- sponse save in the, two fields of clay, heavier soils, where the potash showed the straw full 0 inches higher, and a perceptible larger and heavier he:id of wheat. Tliis leads me to tlie concdusion that a heavier administration of potash would be beneficial, and possibly a diminution of ammonia and phosphoric acid might not injure the yield. The wheat .seeded was the Fultz, and was of superior quality. These results have satisfied me that a crop could be produced, and tlie next question was, would it jiay V I am satisfied from a know- ledge of my lands, of tlie.se past average pro- ductions of wheat, that 1 liad an exce.«s of wheat over what I should have had without the apidication of chemicals, of lUOO bushels. This surplus lirought me .?1. .500: the cost of chemical aiiiiiieation was St20, and allowing S80 for extra threshing and lalxir would leave SIOOO as a profit ou an investment of .*420 for twelve month.s — and besides, in this e.stimate, 1 have charged the entire manure to this one crop. Jfor have I included the increased value of 40 acres set in grass, one iialf of which I could in no event have succeeded in setting; nor liave I included the increased weight of straw, whieli if sold, would have yielded near one half cost of fertilizer. Tlie season was a most propitious one for wlii-al, and may liave added very considerable to the yield, but there is still a very large margin of prolil after any such deductions. I can but believe in very heavy benefits yet to accrue to soil where ajiplied such clover and timothy never before stood on my farm. 1 have seeded this year lOil acres to wheat, and have ai>plied the formula (with some variations lor experiment) to all of it. I al.so experimented upon three half-acre plots of jiotatoes, apjilying a formula which lepresenled the ash. and adding 5 per cent, of anifuonia. The soil in each were entiiely dif- ferent, one sod, one clay, one sandy. The results were at the rate of 2t)5, 255 and 210 bushels to an acre. The heaviest yield I had ever before olitained by the most lavish appli- cation of manure, was 85 bushels. The results in my vi getable garden were even more, marked. The application of muriatic potash 85"^, one ta\jlespoonful rii hill, produced Early York cabbage, one of which measured in cir- cmnference, around the outer extremities of leaves 14 feet U incdies. Its effect ou sweet potatoes was also great. The exhaustion of lands must soon form a serious question in the older .States, the steady decreasing yields pi)int in one direction, either bankruptcy or eiiiigiation. The fertile lands of tlie West are hastiiiiiig its solution. They are our competitors, and cheap freights have brought them to our doors. We must pro- duce more at le.ss cost — it must become a struggle for life, in which, as Darwin says, the "fittest will survive." The old routine will be superseded, and those who do not fol- low will go under. I^urope has already solved and met the question. The fertility of the land must be restored, in returning that which has been abstracted — there is no other road save through chemicals. Prussia, Germany and France havd so decided and acted. In Prussia alone, there are sixty experimental stations where the farmer can have his chem- icals analyzed at the expense of the (iovern- inent, (and no one farm is without them). Connecticut has already profited by Prussia's experience, and estalilished a station, which last year saved to its farmers over ^200,000 in the manures they purchased for the tobacco and other crops. We are making an effort in the .same direction. Our iKu>r, worn out lands have invited the enemy to our doors. Your State, with its rich lands, is undergoing ini- . poverislinient. In another generation, you will iirobably mark on the thermometer of luoduction, as low a degree as ounselves. Wc have only antedated you in squandering the organic wealth of oin- land. — Yours truly, J. I. W.. (MkojaviUe, MiL, Dec. 24. 1877. I'ov The Lancastkr Farmer. SPECIALTIES IN FARMING. The tendency of fanning and kindred occu- pations seems to lean towards specialties. Like in trades, I siqijiose greater proficiency is thus acquired by the individual, but unlike in trades, any tmtoward circumstances are accoiiipanied with many times more disastrous results; as commonly all the ca|)ital pos.sessed, and perhaiis a great deal borrowed, is em- barked in the enterprise. Many sharp men engage in these specialties with the purpose to make money when the lidi' is rising, but quit as soon as there is any sign of ebbing, but in most ca.ses there is no sign of this ebbing any more than there is a sign of a coming financial crash — there is a sudden downfall in prices fhrough over-pro- duction or other causes, and the iiroduet that had liefore jiaid well on the investment, is now the cause of far greater loss than the gains of previous years. And to make bad worse, tiiese very men, when such an event hap]>ens, instead of getting out of the business as best they can. reason thus : "'Xow this is a pretty mes.'>, but there is tlie consolation that I have 10 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [January, fared as well as the rest — am disgusted — won- der if the others have an intention of quitting. I believe that most of them will, and com- mence on something else. Shouldn't wonder but what this will be the case, and then there will be a rise in prices. Guess I will try it another lick." And he does try another "lick," but hosts of otliers have djue this also, and the conse- quence is there is a still further decline in prices, sweeping away all but the tirmest. This was the case in the hop business, in Wis- consin, a few years ago. Hops had been bringing thirty to forty cents n pound, paying extraordinary profits and attracting many into the business, until at last there was an over-supi)ly, and prices fell below the paying point. The course of reasoning indicated above, was adoi)ted by many, and the conse- quence was still lower prices, and in the third year of the decline, I believe some were sold as low as live and seven cents a pound for the new crops, and two and three cents for the cl I (one yo.ar old) crop. Great distress re- sulted in the hop districts, as not only the farmeis failed, but also merchants, who ad- vanced goods on long credits in expectation of being paid when money came in from crops sold. In this county the tobacco fever is raging at present, ;\nd there is scarcely any doubt but what there will be another hop story, with the variation of a dilference in crop and terri- tory, and yet there will be more than this difference. As is well known, hops are at their best and consequently at the highest price just after they are harvested and until a new crop comes in ; the one year old crop sel- dom brings more tliau one-tliird to one-half what the new incoming crop can be sold for, and when two or tliree years old is scarcely looked at. Tobacco, on the contrary, when cased, becomes more valuable for a number of years, in comparison to the new crop, but just here the danger is the greater, for there may be a large accumalatiou before prices shovv any slacking off, but when the downward course has begun it will be a long time before bottom is reached. Of course the reasoning on the hop question will be applied to the tobacco, iiud it will be a few years over- raising before tljt re is a halt called; and to make mat" ters wort e tobacco is a somewhat easier though not less costly crop to raise than hops, when laised anf tended as it now is. This will tempt new districts to come in, and such dis- tricts are proverbial for careless handling, but Ihey may make what thf,y consider pretty fair protits ai:d continue to raise this low quality and throwing so much on the market, tliough much of it would be only called "stulf" by the more experienced growers, help to depress the prices of all but perhaps the very finest grades. This crash in toliacco may not happen for years, particularly if otlier" crops are fairly renmnerative, but should tliese latter bring low prices for some years, there will then be attention turned to the better paying one of tobacco, and this is one of the crops that can- not bear the increase of area that wheat, corn or cotton can. 1 believe that the oidy safe coiu-se for the farmers of this county and other tobacco growing districts lies iu less acreage and better farming. The raising of sheeii for their wool has at- tracted a great deal atteutiim in parts of the far west for a number of years and there have been individuals wlio counted them by the thousands. Several times witliin our re- collection has wool fallen to such low prices that whole flocks have been slaughtered for pelts, in some cases the tallow biing saved, iu others not. Tliis killing is not to be con- founded with that whicli is done to work oft' old sheep, whose best days are over, and are therefore consianed to the tallow kettle, as there can be more money made by this course than to keep them. Aside from the waste of good meat, many condemn this on the score of inhumanity, ba' the same plea could be nrged in favor of supcianuuated horses, which are usually killed when their working days are over, or when there is a loss in keeping them longer. Just now there is an unusual interest taken in chickens, &c., and one^can scarcely take up a paper devoted professedly to agriculture without seeing the headings: "Profit in Raising Fowls," "Profit in Raising Egn-s " "Profit made from a Dozen Hens," &c. Some of these articles are written by persons who have really made money from raising fowls or eggs, or that have known others to do so ; but there are also many articles sent in lo the papers by fanciers who raise and sell a particular breed and recommend these as the only ne 2)lus ultra for all purposes, or the only kind out of which profit is sure when raised for market fowls, or when raised for eggs. My make up may be at fault, but I am always suspicious when a particular thing is so strongly urged to the exclusion of all others of the same kind. There is no doubt tiiat many of those that go into the business of exclusively raising fowls, will find in this as in ail other business ventures, that the sun does not shine all the time. It may be claimed by some that specialties are a necessity in some parts, as nothing else can be raised that will pay. This may be in- deed the case in a few, very few, places, luit may not the majority of cases be the result of popidar (sectional) opinion, and not based ou real and trustworthy experiments '? When we look to tlie rice fields of Carolina, the cotton acres of the "Cotton Belt," the sugar cane bottoms of Louisiana, or any other place where specialties are carried on to the exclusion of nearly all other farm produc- tion, we find that the few become vastly wealthy ; some make a living but the majority remain poor, and the majority of people in such districts are bound to remain poor; for those that have been more successful will in time possess the lands, and they or their children will be at the beck of the few who have made a specialty pay. It may be claimed by some that introduc- ing the cultivation or raising of something new to the district is rather risky, on account of ignorance in cultivation, harvesting and disposing. This might have been the case years ago, but now there is hardly a product raised that has not a special treatise thereon l)y which any ordinarily intelligent person can learn all the ins and outs of the same, and the only contingencies that must be .settled by the undertaker are climate, soil and situa- tion. Variety is the antidote of the poison — specialty, and in the district where the great- est variety is raised will be comparatively the greatest number of the class of well-to-df. Engle, Marietta ; Martin I). Ken- dig, Manor; Casper Ililler, Conestogu ; Simon P. Eliy, eity ; Daniel Smeyeh, city ; Jacob liollinger, Warwick; Win. MeConisey, city; Hcin-y Kurtz, Moniit Joy; Heiny Shitl'ner Leacock ; C. L. Hun- seeker, Manbcini ; Levi S. Reist. Oregon ; L. Wit- mer, I'aradise ; Peter 8. Heist, Jlanbeim ; Prof. S. 8. Ratlivon, eity ; D. L. Resb, Bird-iii-IIaiid ; Hem-y Erb, Maubeim ; B.Frank Laiidis, East Lampeter; Wm. Bush, Uruinore ; John Moore, Mount Joy; Christian Hostettcr, Eden ; Samuel Erb, Warwick ; John Miller, Oregon ; D. S. Dysart, eity ; John M. Stehinan, East Hemplield ; E. S. Hoover, ; David G. Swartz, city; I. L. Laudis, Manheim ; J. F. Hess, Mauheun; Hon. David Mumma, State Senator, Harrisburg. ^ On motion the reading of the minutes of last meeting was dispensed with. Wm. McComsey, from the committee appointed to make inquiries as to whether a more eligible and convenient room in which to hold the meetings of the society could be secured, reported that the Board of Trade Room, No. ;i8 East King street, could be had at a rent of §-'.50 for for each meeting, includ- ing fuel, furniture and the services of a janitor. The room is large, plasaut aud nicely carpeted. If a change of meeting-place should be made the com- mittee would recommend the Board of Trade room, but it might be advisable before doing so to look at the condition of the society's finances, and see if they will warrant tl.e proposed change, as the society has not heretofore paid any rent, and has been some- what negligent in tlie management of its finances. On motion of H. M. Engle, the further considera- tion of the matter was postponed until after the report of the treasurer shall have been read. On motion the presentation of crop reports was not made, there being little or no change since last month . H. M. Engi.e reported the rainfall for November to have been 7:).16 inches and for December 15.10 inches. Mr. C. L. HtJNSECKER read an interesting essay on manures. (See page 7 of this number.) Mr. Levi S. Keist luid not looked up the exact meaning of the word "manure," but had examined into the meaning of the word dung. It is a popular belief that this word means ouly the excrement of animals, but this is a mistake. Dung means any- thing that enriches soil, and comes from a (ierman word meaning to serve. It means anything that will help the farmer liy improving his ground.* Mr. Kl'utz said that if a farmer had plenty of burnyard manure he could raise any kind of grain, and it was wisdom to make all tlic manure possible. You cannot get loo much of it. It is to our interest to have a large manure pile. Mr. HiLLER thought the essay was very good aud to the point. Wc are just beginiiing to know the value of manure. Now we all have toljacco on the brain. He did not know bow long this would last or what we would profit by it, Ijut one thing we would learn — how to cultivate and manure properly. And if we learn that it will certainly be of great use to us. On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Hunsecker for his essay. Mr. H. M. Engle then read a humane essayon tlie "Care of Domestic Animals." (see page 6 of this Dumber.) S. P. Eby' agreed with all the essayist had said about the cruelty and foolishness of those who neglect or missuse their stock ; but he thought there were some who erred on the other side by overfeed- ing them and keeping them too fat, thus making more uncomfortable and more likely to contract disease. The matter was further discussed by Henry Kurtz and P. S. Reist, both of whom agreed in the main with the essayist. On motion of J. L. Witmer, the further considera- tion of the matter was postponed to enable the so- ciety to go into an election of officers for the ensuing year. Previous to which the president read the usual an- nual address. (See page 5 of this number.) The address was received with applause and a vote of thanks awarded the president. On motion of Wm. McComsey, Calvin Cooper was unanimously re-elected president, notwithstanding that gentleman's earnest appeal to select some other aud abler presiding officer. S. P. Eby and Prof. S. S. Rathvon were appointed ♦Wethiuk Mr. Rpiat is mistukeu iu this. Websler'a Una- bridged Dictionary gives the rteiiuition as follows: Dung — The excrement of animals.— Z'rf. a committee to audit the treasurer's account and re- port the result. After examining the vouchers the committee reported the books correct, the balance in the treasury being iV.\.Hi. The committee further stated that the society would receive from the Coun- ty Commissioners a gratuity of S>:i9.50. On motion the cliair appointed Peter S. Keist, Henry Kurtz, M. D. Keiidig, J. L. Witmer and Ephralm Hoover a committee to select and report to the society the other officers for the ensidng year. The committee after consultation reported the following, and they were unanimously chosen : Vice Presidents — H. M. Engle, Casper Hillcr, Levi S. Reist, J. C. Linvill, William McComsey. Recording Secretary — J. F. Witmer. Corresponding Secretary — Johnson Miller. Treasurer — Levi W. (irotV. Entomologist — Prof. S. S. Rathvon. Librarian— S. P. Eliy. Botanist — J. S. Staull'er. Business Committee — M. D. Kendig, Ephraim Hoover, Jacob Bollinger. Messrs. Henry M. Engle, Jacob Bollinger and B. F. Landis, appointed to test and re[X)rt on fruits ex- hibited, made the following report : Three varieties of oranges, from St. Augustine, Florida, by J. F. Hess , common grajie and Manda- rin, two specimens measuring from lifteen to sixteen inches in circumference. Three specimens of apples Cart House and Seedling Rambo, by Levi S. Reist. Eleven varieties of apples from Kansas, by J. H. Moore, very fine ; among which are Rome Beauty, Belle Flower, Cart House, Swaar, .lennison, (iolden Pippin, and others new to your committee. Pears — Beurre Clairgau, and one for a name by Daniel Smyech. H. M. Enoi.e, B. Frank Landis. The question of changing the place of meeting having again come up, S. P. Eby moved that the society continue to meet in the Athenseum. Johnson Miller moved to amend by leasing the board of trade rooms. After a long and spirited debate, in which Messrs. Eby, Kurtz, L. W. Reist, Engle, Swartz, .MoComsey, Kendig and Hunsecker took part, Mr. Miller's amendment was rejected and Mr. Eby's motion ado|ited. A bill for $2 due Jacob Heliue, janitor, was ordered to be paid, aud Mr. Heline was re-elected janitor so long as the society continues to meet in the Athenaeum. Messrs. C. L. Hunsecker, S. P. Eby andD.fi. Swartz were appointed a committee to confer with the city authorities, the Athemeum and Linniean societies, and make such arrangements for leasing the room as may be necessary. The chair called attention to the meeting of the State Board of Agriculture at Harrisburg, on Janu- ary 2o, and of the Pennsylvania J'ruit Growers' .Society at Williams|iort, on January 16. Mr. Engle presented a petition for the passage of an act of assembly enlarging the powers of the State Board of Agriculture. After discussion and explanation of the projxjsed law, a motion was made and carried that the olTieera sign the petition in the name of the society, and that members of the society sign it in their individual capacity. A Little Spice by Way of Variety. I. L. Landis wished to make a statement and have it answered. Some three or four months ago a member of this society wished to exhibit a useful agricultural implement and the chair would not per- mit him to do so. At a following meeting a si ranger, who does not belong to the society, brought before it another agricultural implement, and he was permit- ted to exhibit it and explain its merits. Mr. Landis would like to know why this discrimination was made in favor of an outsider and against a member of the society. President Cooper explained that when Mr. Landis offered to exhibit a patent post-hole digger, he (the president) had told bim that it would not be permitted while the society was in business session, but that if he could get an audience during the re- recess, while the society was engaged in social inter- course, he was welcome to exhibit the implement. M. the 8ubse(iuent meeting, when Mr. Sutton exhib- ited a model of Mr. Giotl's improved grain drill, be had previously obtained unaniiiious consent of the so- ciety to do so. The president said he had always ruled against perraitliugagentstoexhibitand explain patent articles during the session of the society, be- cause he believed a great deal of time would be thus consumed and that the regular business of the society would be interfered with. Mr. Landis replied that if this was an agricul- tural and horticultural society, every new and valua- ble invention relating to those suljjects should be in- troduced aud explained for the benefit of members. They were of as much importance, at least, as the fruits and vegetables which are regularly exhibited and reported upon by a special committee. .Mr. Engle said he concurred with Mr. Landis that there was as much impropriety in showing fruits and vegetables as agricultural" im])lements. They often interfere with other business, and though he likes to see fine fruits, he had often thought it would be better to dispense with their exhibit. If the society permitted ogents to exhibit at its meet- ings all the implements or other patents they chose fu bring, the entire time of the society wotdd be thus taken U|i to the exclusion of other business. .Mr. Exoi.K suggested that, as the society Is now entering upon a new year, It would be well lo take measures to cut out business for the year, and have it pnlilisheil beforehand, so that members and others would know what subjects Jwere to be eoneidered at any particular meeting, and prepare themselves accordingly. Senator Mumma. Levi S. Reist Introduced State Senator Mumma, of Dauphin county, aud Mr. Engle called upon him for a speech . .Mr. .\li!MMA responded at some length, saying that he had been a farmer for many years, though he was not now actively engaged in that jmrsult. He gave a brief statement of his own experience in planting orchards, growing tobacco and using fer- tilizers. He congratulated Lancaster county on having such a live agricultural society, and encotir- agcd the society to continue its good work. Ho re- garded the Lancaster county tobacco as being the best in the country and the most profitable crop that could be grown. Societies such as this are the best means of ilissemimiting useful iuformatioD among agriculturists. If farmers thoroughly understood the nature of tlieii- soil, buudi'cds of thousands of dollars now wasted in the misapplication of manures might be saved, and larger clops grown at much less expen.se. The chair appointed M. D. Kendig, Casper Ililler and P. S. lieist delegates to the fruit growers' con- vention, Williamsport. On motion of Mr. Witmer, a paper on "Soiling," by Levi W. Groff, deferred at a former meeting, was selected for consideration at next meeting. Tlie president announced that iin iiileresling paper (m grape culture, by a practical grape grower, would also be ijresented at next meeting. The following question was chosen for general dis- cussion at next meeting : "How shall the farm be conducted to produce the best pecuniary results i" Till' following quest ions were referred : "What produces abortion in cows?" Referred to Johnson Miller. "When is the proper time to ajiply barnyard manure, and how '." Referred to Jacob Bollinger, TOBACCO GROWERS' ASSOCIATION. A stated meeting of the I.,aiica6ter Comity Tobacco ({rowers' Association was held in the Athcnieum, on .Monilay afternoon, December 17th. The following members and visitors were jiresent : M. D. Kendig, president. Manor; W. L. Hershey, secretary, East llempHeld ; Henry Shiffner, Leacock ; A. U. Yeager, East Lampeter; J. .M. Joliuston, city ; A. P. Mcllvaiue, I'aradise ; A.H.Suininy, Manbelm ; Harry Mayer, East llempfield ; J. (i. IJush, Willow Street; J. M. Frantz, Lancaster; Henry Kurtz, .Mount .Joy ; Wasbini;ton Hershey, West Hemplield ; John Brady, .Millersville ; .Michael Landis, {..aueaster; Elias Hersbey, Paradise ; A. C. Stone, Salisbury ; M. G. Miller, Manbelm ; Jr.eob llcss, Manheim town- ship; Moses Garber, .Mount Joy: S. G. Garher, Mount Joy ; Christian Musscr, Earl ; .John Senor, Willow .Street; C. L. Hunsecker, Manheim ; John Kean, Bart; A. H. Cain, Christiana ; M. A. Frantz, Dauphin county; .\ndrcw F. Frantz, Lancaster; Amos i;. Frantz, Waynesboro, Franklin county; Samuel Wolf, Akron; Samuel Bushong, Cpper Lea- cock; Mr. Lefevrc, Lampeter; J. M. .Staufl'er, New Holland; J. Hartman Hershey, Kohrerstown; Frank R. Dilfenderffer, eity ; Clare Carpenter, cily ; Abra- ham Weideuer, Nen'syille. Crop Reports. Crop reports being called for, Henry Kiutz, of Mount Joy, said the tobacco in his section is nearly all stripped, and is good iu color and quality. Some farmers have sold a little and otlieri" have had good offers. One man received ;iO cents for a lot ; another L'O cents round ; another, 5, 10, aud 18 cents. In the neighborbood of Akron he saw some good tobacco and also in other sections of the county which he had visited. Mr. A. H. YEAiiEH, of East Lampeter, sold about one half the crop was strippeii. It looks very well. He knew of none being sold, but the buyers had been around looking at it. W. L. Heksuey, of northern East Hemplield, said two-thirds of the crop in that district Is stripped. Has seen no buyers yet. The crop Is in good condi- tion. Utilizing Tobacco Stalks. "What is the best method of utilizing tobacco stalks '■" was the question referred at last meeting to A. H. Summy, but that gentleman not being present President M. D. Kendig said in answer to it, that he would spread the stalks on the grass lawn as a top dressing. They will kill noxious weeds, enrich the soil and protect the grass. He would also place the stalks around the buts of shrubs and young trees to keep the mice away. If he had any left he would 12 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ January, cut up and use them as a concentrated manure by mixing: them with hen manure and putting them in the rows of'tlie new tobacco. Henrv Shiffnek had disposed of the sialics in three difTerent ways : a part of tlicm he put on tlie manure pile; another part he cut up tine, spread over the ground and plowed under for the next year's crop ; and a third portion lie burned, and ajiplied the ashes to the land. The result was equally good in each case. John Sf.neu, Willow Street, said that he gen- erally hauled o\it the saltl<6, spread them on the ground, and plowed them down. Last year after plowing a tract of giound he made furrows with a shovel 'harrow and plowed the stalks under. He found that they did as well as the bainyard manure. Lime on Tobacco Land. "Is lime beneficial in the culture of tobacco, and how should it be applied to produce the best results ?" ■was the next taken up for discussion. Heki!Y Kurtz had no doubt that lime was an excellent fertilizer for tobacco. His plan was to spread manure on the land, plow it down, and dress on top with lime. One hundred bushels per acre was not too much. He generally put it on in the spring, but believed it would do belter if time could be spared to put it on the preceding fall . Henhy JShiffxer regarded lime as being very beneficial in the eultivat on of tobacco, and he thought that top dressing was the best way to apply it. Tobacco requires a great deal of moisture, and lime has a tendency to keep the ground moist. Sylvester Kennedy said that lime was the best of fertilizers. Its good effects are felt longer than those of any other manure. Ten or twelve years after lime has been ap])lied its action can still be seen in the soil. In Chester county and in the east- ern and southern parts of Lancaster county the copious use of lime is a necessity. They sow it on the ground and let it lie on top for a year or two before plowing it imder John Sener said that he derived more benefit by slacking the lime, spreading it broadcast and plowing it under at once. He had followed this plan for thirty years with good results. President Kendig spoke in favor of the free use of lime in the cultivation of toliacco, and believed that very strong barnyard manui-e had a tendency to produce coarse and undesirable leaves. Mr. Kennedy- said there was a gieat diiference in the quality of lime, and there should be dirt'erent modes of applying the difTerent qualities, as they will act difl'erent^iy on different kinds of soil. He knew that the yellow, sandy-looking lime would act quicker tlian the wliite Pequea lime, but that its ellects would not last half as long. He had noticed that crops liberally limed remained greener and matured less slowly than those on which no lime was used. Henry Kortz said that in his profession as a tanner he had occasion to use large quantities of lime, and that his experience was that the while lime was much stronger than the yeUow. By using one half the quantity of the former the hair could he reiuoved from hides much more rapidly than by the use of vellow lime. He believed its action on the soil was similar, and that white lime would show results twice as long as yellow lime. He thought the white lime of Mount Joy was much stronger than that of Pequea. A. H. Yeaoer agreed that white lime was the stronger, hut he feared it was too strong for some soils and did more harm than good. A. P. M(_Ir.vAiNE had used both white and gray lime in dill'erent parts of the same field. The gray acted much more rapidly and for the first year or so showed the best results, but it soon ran out and had to be renewed, while the white lime, acting more slowly, lasted much longer. He would use a much smaller proportion of white than of gray lime. The latter would be preferable for temporary tenants, as it would act at once, but the .white lime was better for land-owners. .\t this point of the proceeding Mr. A. H. Summy entered the room, and, heino: <'allcd upon answer the question as to the best mode of utilizing tobacco stalks, said that his only experience in the matter was that, having a bad plot of ground on which nothing hut sorrel would grow, he strewed it with tobacco stalks, plowed them down and planted corn. He got a pretty good crop, and this was followed next year by a first-rate crop of tobacco. The discussion of the lime question was resumed. Mr. C. L. Hunsecker said that if all soils were alike the proper quantity of lime to be used niiirht be easily deternuned ; but the great diflereuces in soil make the question one to be governed greatly by judgment and experience. While some farms have been ruined by the too free use of lime, others have been greatly benefited. When judiciously applied he believed it to be the best of fertilizers. It tends to keep the ground cool and hastens the maturity of some crops as wheat and oats. The theory that good tobacco cannot be grown without barnyard manure he looked upon as "all fudge." Michael f ka^tz, of Uarrisburg, had been in the lime business and shipped great quantities of it. Where white and gray lime came into competition the latter was regarded as being about one-half the value of the former. He had not had much exper- ience in tobacco-growing, hut as lime was known to keep the soil cool and moist, and as tobacco required coolness and moisture, he had no doubt that great benefit would result from its use. A. M. Frantz thought the subject a very impor- tant one and deserving of a more critical discussion than was possible in a public meeting. It should be scientifically and ehenucally considered, and made the subject of an essay by some one fully competent for the task. He does not think, as been said to- day, that lime tends to mature wheat or oats, but rather that it retards its maturing. He had limed a part of a field of oats and left the other unlimcd, and on that part which was limed the crop did not mature as rapidly as the other. C. L. Hunsecker looked upon lime as the great- est of fertilizers for almost any crop. In answer to a remark made by one of the speakers he said that lime has no effect in producing mildew in wheat. There is less trouble from mildew now than there was thirty o.i forty years ago, though ten times as much lime is now' used as was then. He eulogized the "Pennsylvania Dutch" farmers who had done so much lor the county by their practical farming, and stated that the rich" Irish men around Lancaster, who boasted of their fine farms, had been taught how to farm by their German neighbors. On motion of Harry Mayer, Mr. Hunsecker was requested to prepare an essay on the subject of "ap- plication of lime to laud" and read it before society. Mr. Hunsecker consented to do so. Sylvester Kennedy said in reply to Mr. Hun- secker that the Irish and Scotch-Irish farmers of Lancaster county were fully as intelligent and pro- gressive as their Dutch neighbors, and their farms would show as good results as can be found any- where among the Dutch. The soil of the lower sec- tion of the county settled by the Scotch-Irish was naturally thinner and poorer than that of the central and upper townships, and required a different treat- ment in cultivation. He mentioned a plan of liming adopted by a Jersey friend of his, on poor, thin land. In the spring he limed it and let the lime lie on top two years. Then he put it in corn and sowed it in grass. He got a pretty good crop of corn, while the grass grew very rank.' On the following October he plowed down the grass and .sowed wheat, getting a very good crop. Mr. Kennedy believed the plan to be a good one, and recommended its adoption by those having thin soils. A. H. Summy knew of a ease in which a man had purchased a tract of worn-out York county land, on which nothing would thrive. He put on it 100 bushels of lime to the acre, and got a good crop of corn the first year. Mr. Summy followed his exam- ple by liminir in the same proportion a barren tract on Chestnut Hill. He raised a good crop of corn the first year, and the next year put the ground in tobacco, and had a fine crop. Tobacco in Bulk. A. P. MoIlvaine, who had not had much experi- ence in curing tobacco, asked if it would be injured by heatina: in bulk, and if so how the heating could be prevented. Mr. Kurtz advised that it be shifted around until it cooled oft", and then repack it. Mr. Sms'TNER said tobacco would not sweat much in bulk if it were properly dried before stripping. A mistake made by many growers is that they strip too soon. It is better that it should not sweat in the cellar, for if it does it will be apt to smell of the cellar. The sweating may be prevented by prop- ping up the hands as they' lie in bulk, by putting shingles under the butts of them. He thinks the tobacco should not be taken out of bulk and scat- tered around, as recommended by Mr. Kurtz, after it begins to sweat, as the leaf will become coarse and rough. It is not so apt to sweat if the bulk in which it is put down is not too large, say not more than three feet in height. President Kenijio said that on one occasion before he had much experience in curing tobacco he had his crop pnt down in bulk about five feet in height and in good condition. It began to sweat, ami, becoming alarmed lest if should rot, he called in a neighbor who had had more experience. His neighbor said, " Let it alone, it will come out all right." Mr. K. determined to let one-half of it alone and repack the other h.alf. That which lie had not disturbed, and which he feared would rot, cured finely, while th.at which he had repacked became rouirh and worse. Mr. Suiffner said that last year there were but few chances to strip tobacco until very late in the season. The result was there were no complaints of sweating in bulk. This year the weather has been favorable for stripping ; much of the crop has been stripped too earl V, aud we hear many complaints of its sweating. He had already stripped some of bis own tobacco, but he believed it would be better not to strip till after the holidays. J. G. Hush favored early stripping if the tobacco was sufficiently dry to warrant its being stripped. He presented a hand or two of his own tobacco which was very fine. Bills Paid. The following bills being approved by the Finance Committee were ordered to be paid : Jacob Hcline, services as janitor, §5 ; subscription to N. Y. Tobacco Leaf, $i.lO ; subscription to the U.S. Tobacco Jour- nal, §2. Business for Next Meeting. The following questions were announced for dis- cussion at next meeting : "Is the manure made from feeding grain with straw aud hay any richer or stronger than that made in the stable with the same substances without grain?" Referred to Jacob M. Frantz. "What variety of tobacco should we cultivate?" For general discussion. The committee appointed at a former meeting to visit the principal tobacco growers in different sec- tions of the county, and report to the society, re- ported progress and asked to be continued, as they had not yet been able to complete their labors. They promised to report at next meeting. The President called attention to the fact that at the next stated meeting the society would elect officers for the ensuing year. He also stated that a few of the members had neglected to pay their annual dues, and hoped they would come prepared to settle up. On motion, adjourned. THE LINN.ffi;AN SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the Limiiean Society was held on Saturdiiy, December 29th, 1877. President Rev. J. S. Stahr being absent, Vice President Prof. T. R. Baker took the chair. Nine members present. After collecting dues and reading of the minutes, the donations to the museum w^ere examined. First was one bottle containing six Salamanders, which were found in the city limits, by Masters Jas. Stewart aud Jas. Kelly , who deserve encouragement for the interest they take in natural history. These specimens have the brick red dorsal stripe, and arc not rare under stones, and are named by Prof. Cope, Dcsmagiialhns ochropkcm. The novelty is in finding them out and lively so late in the year as December 28 ; hut this mild winter, so far, has brought out the "daudcliou" and blue-field violets. Mr. James Stewart, Sr., when in Northern Texas, last fall, obtained a large fossil-like part of a Ram's horn, which he donated ; Dana, in his Geology, page ■172, says some of the "Ammonite" found beyond the Mississippi, are over three feet in diameter. The genus Orioccras, which name refers to a ram's horn, aud has an open coil, aud his Figure 786 of 0. Diivulli, comes very close to this specimen. An immalurcd fruit of the Banana, grown in the hot-house of Geo. O. Hensel, the Masa snpiendu of the Palm family, was preseuted. .Mrs. Gibbons presented some fossil shells and belemnites found near Vfoodstown, New Jersey. Quite a varie- ty of ibssils are found abundant in many of the arenaceous beds, called Green mnid or 7Harl, which sometimes contain ninety per ceut. of a greenish silicate of iron and potash, with a trace of phos- phate of lime ; hence valuable for fertilizing pur- poses. She also presented beautiful thin, tran.spar- cut shells, formingthe entire external eoveringof the young of the Hoffce-shoe crab, Linmhis pohjphciitns, which are as prettv as they are curious. Mrs. Dr. Sarah Taylor, of \Voodstown, New Jersey, sends us per -Mrs. Gibbons, what she called a leaf and fruit pods of the Egyptian Lotus or sacred bean of India (said to have sprung fromseeds thrown into a pond), which a gentleman brought from the Kiver Nile. Mr. Staulfer said all this might be true, only that the Xeiumbiuia hilemii, which grows in the Delaware river, known as water chinquapin, and sometimes called lotus, and sacred bean, is so much like the specimen, that he doubts the story. Dr. Gray does say that the Nebimbmm Kpccioxnm or X Lotus, the sacred beau of India, is cultivated in choice conserva- tories. Now about a mill-pond, in New Jersey, Mrs. Gibbons had also a large full top of one of the tall growing comiiosite plants, called Alder in New Jer- sey. This is evidently a cacaliu. As the radical leaves aud cauline were absent, it wasnot deiermined whether it was Caculia atripHcifoUa, the great Indian plantain, or the O renifonnis. Both grow in New Jersey and attain a height of nine feet. Mr. Bolton also desired to know th(^ name of a LiUiaccous plant, that has small axillary flowers, and elongates the flaccid stem, until the c'nd bends down and sends up a tuft of leaves, propagating a new plant; flowers, minute ; no means to analyze them in their condi- tion without a fresh specimen. Other plants were discussed. S. S. Hathvou donated to the Historical branch a fancy Revolutionary dress buckle, also two envelopes containing twenty or more historical clip- pings. To the Library was presented a copy of the U.S. Coast Snrvey for 1874. By request, Rev. J. H. Dnbbs, A. M., presented a copy of each of three several addresses, delivered bv hiin at various times on topics of genera! interest. The Lancaster Farmer for December, 1877, and sundry American and European Book Catalogues, from publishing houses, were presented. 1878.1 THE LANCASTER FARMER. 43 Papers Read. Misrellanooiis notes on Jcposits, liy S. S. nathvnn, No. 4S:^. Notes on rom;irkal)le niikl weallicr for Dceember, 1877, by Mrs. V. E. (iililions, No. 4S1. Mr. Wilnier P. Bolton rtiul ii piiper on tlie explora- tion of a eave near llic river in Maitic townsliip, nearly opjiosite to York Furnace, ealleil tlie"colU winil cave." Tliia is publisljeil in the present number of TiiK Fahmkh, page 4. Notations of a [{evolu- tionary relie on an olil-faBliioned dress "buckle" de- posited by S. 8. liatbvon, No. 4S.5. The annual re- ports of tbe Curators ami ici'ord of Secretary and Treasurer were read, Nos. 48(1, 487 and 488. ConsidcrinsT the few meuitiers that actually meet and keep the society alive, the limited workine material and the small incomeof ten cents per month per member (and this fee is withheld by many of the members) the progress of the society is snriirising. Here are object lessons of value to the community and pupils of the schools, if a public spirit could be aroused and made to see its utility, and eoinc to the front to aid and assist us to jilaee it in a more \iseful position, so as to he more available to the putilic. Keeeipts for the entire year, S44.U) ; balance of last year, :?l:i.44 ; expenses paid still leaves a balance of 5l0.!l4 in the treasury. This was the time for clcet- ine new olliecrs for the ensuiujc ye;ir, and as no elcetioneeriiiii; or ambition was manifest, and all present holding ollice were willing to confer the honor on others, could such others liave been found, on motion the old olliecrs were nominated, and, no one ojiposini,', on eastini; the ballot, tlie result was: I'resideiil— Kev. J. S.'Stalir. Vice Presidents — Kev. J. II. Dubhs, Prof. J. B. Baker. Kecording Secretary— J. Stauffer. Assistant Secretary — Mrs. P. E. Gibbons. Corresponding .Secretary — Rev. D. Geissingcr. Treasurer — S. S. Rathvon. 1 Librarian — Mrs. L. A. Zell. I* Curators— Messrs. C. A. Heinitsh, S. S. Kathvon and W. P. Bolton. Keys are wanted to some of the drawers, and on motion the treasurer was authorized to procure such keys as were needed, at the expense of the society. Under scientific gossip mention was made, with an expression of thanks, to the press for publishing our proceedings as a local matter, free of charge. Botanical, Geological and Historical questions were discussed by members present. On motion, ad- journed till Saturday, January 3iith, 187S. agrici7i7t uraL. Agricultural Outlook. Advance sheets of the reports of the department of agriculture show the enormous aggregate yield of three hundred and sixty million bushels of wheat for 1877, or lifly million more than ever before pro- duced. The corn jiroduct was thirteen hundred bushels with corresiiondingly large yicldsof oats and potatoes. The report states that there never was a greater abundance in the land.' Out of the wheat I'roduct, it is estimated, deducting for home con- ^Mmption, that upwards of one hundreil and ten million bushels of wheat can be .spared for export. The largest export yet made in one year was ninety- one nnllion bushels, with an average of sixty-three million bushels. The department is also in receipt of information from the wheat producing sections of Euroi>e, from which it is ascertained that the wheat crop in Southwestern Europe which produces the largest amount of surplus, is good, and in Southern Russia amounting to twenty-live i)er cent, above the average crop. In Northwestern and Northern Eu- rope it is poor. Jt is also stated in communications from the Southern sections of Russia that if the war should stop shortly there will tie a large ship- ment, and that the shippers are now ready to take advantage of the first opportunity, (jrcat Britain, oll'ering the largest market for wheat, will, it is stated, require about one hundred million bushels of the present season's yield. American surplus wiil have, as usual, a demand in English markets, with an increase subject to the contingencies of the exist- ing struggle in Southwestern Europe being prolonged into another season. The department is also in re- ceipt of very flattering accounts of the eueourage- nienl which the great yield of last season is having upon every class of enterprise. The average of winter wheat for this year is greater than that of last year. A Portable Fence. A correspondent of the Contitry Gentleman writes : As far as my observation extends, the fol- lowing kind of fence is little used among farmers, notwithstanding it is very cheap and handy to have, for dividing a lield, enclosing stacks of hay or grain, or making enclosures for sheep or calves. I take three hewed or sawed sticks, four or Ave feet in length, placing one at each end of the boards that I am about to use. and one in the centre ; fasten them down securely for a platform. 1 then tiike 14-fpet hoards, G inches wide, (I prefer that length to 12 or Ifi feet,) and lay them on this platform, leaving spaces between the boards of 7, t> and .5 inches. 1 use three cross pieces, 4 feet long and .5 or tj inches wide, securely nailed with annealed or wrought nails, and clinched, placing one at each end and one in the centre. The bottom board will be five Inches from tlie ground, ami the section or panel will rest on the cross pieces. When putting up this fe ce, I let It hip the width of the cross pieces, and drive two stakes, one on each side of the jiancls, and fasten with withes, or wire, and I then have as gooil a fence as I want for turning stock. Where a fence is needed only for a short time, one stake is all that is necessary. Two men can dr.iw and bulM fifty rods fif this fence in a day, and not work very hard at that. This fence can be made in a different form where a man has plenty of short pieces of boards, say 'Ay^ or 4 feet long, by nailing them to two 'Z by 4inch scanllingR 14 feet long, leaving spaces between the pickets or boards I! inches wide. In loca'itics where fencing is scarce, and the farmer has not the means to fence his entire farm, this kind of fcneinir is very handy, as fields that arc oecuiiicd with grain can be stripped of theii' fences, and good enclosures made for the pastures, ami whenever other liclds are wanted for grazing this fence can be easily changed. Pulverizing Manure. A farmer in an adjoining town was harrowing his barley stubble the other day before jilowing. I asked him win he did so, and he f,aid it was to break the clods of manure as spread from the heaps. The idea is an excellent one, and worthy of adoption wherever possible. A large clod of manure has enouirh ma- terial to fertilize ten or twenty or more wheat plants, but if left unbroken it will probably be reached. by only one or two. The "patchy" appearance of wheat which has been recently manured is well known, and it results from the unequal distribution of the ma- nure. The grain is uneven, some places ripening earlier than others, and hence it cannot be harvesteil without loss. A more serious matter isthe waste of the manure itself. To be sure it is all in the field and will be available sometime, but that is not what the good farmer wants. It is said that it is better to have a nimble sixpence than a slow shilling, but in most farming operations it is getting a nimble shil- ling or a tardy sixpence. If a lot of lumpy manure is broken into pieces one-fourth as large as before, its direct value is increased four-fold. Before the crops have extracted the fertility of the dressing of ma- nure the farmer is or should be ready to supply them with more. I have no doubt that by the simple act of harrowing, that manure more than doubled its value for next year's wheat and clover, and the har- rowins: did not cost .50 cents i)er acre. Where winter grain is top-dressed the manure is usually dragged about in cultivatinir until it touches nearly all the surface soil. What is left on the sur- face has its fertilizing elements washed into the soil as evenly as possible. This is one reason why top- dressing is generally reckoned the liest method, mi- less the manure is mixed with long straw, which will clog the drills in sowing. Cost of a Bushel of Wheat. Richland county, Illinois, is called a fair region for wheat, but where the average yield of the State is taken, it is about 14 bushels to the acre. This county, during the last two years, has done a fraction better. Wheat was worth with us, last fall at seeding time, SI. .W per bushel ; harvest hands were paid from SJ to $3.50; for a man and team we paid ?u'.50 and board, and for other kinds of work in the same pro- portion. I will now give the cost of raising wheat in this part of Illinois, takins: one acre as a basis for calculations, and estimating the yield at l.'i bushels, which is a large average for the township, county, or Stiite : Plowing one acre, - - - - - - SI .50 Harrowing, ..-.-- 50 1'.; bushels seed at 51.50^ bushel, - - 3 L'.5 Drilling, 50 Board, -------- 1 00 Cutting, 75 Binding, 75 Shocking, 25 Hauling and stacking, - - - - .50 Threshing, 15 bushels, - - - . 1 87 Hauling, ------ - 1 00 Kent, 3 .50 T.)tal, - - . - - Or a fraction over 90 cents a bushel. SI 4 .'57 Improving Wheat. It was 'stated by a visiting farmer to our county fair, one of the judges from Lancaster county, that Levi Groir, of Earl township, that county, had adopted the Heiges plan of cultivating wheat with good result. The gain was about 11 bushels to the acre ; he had aliout six acres cultivated, and about the same drilled on the common plan ; the cultivated wheat yielded MO bushels to the acre, and the drilled and imcultivated yielded 35 bushels to the acre. The cultivating at this rate would give a large profit to the farmer. Another statement by a Maryland farmer, one of the judges, was that of mixing the seed, the Lan- caster wheat with the Fultz, hail improved the size of the heads and quality of the Fultz, producing a better yield. — York Deapatch. HORTICULTURAL. Cultivation of the Lilac. In an admirable jiaper on the Lilac, read by Geo. Ellwaiiger before the recent meeting of the Western New York Horticultural Society, tlie following diree- tions are given for Its culture and management : It Is adapted to almost any soli and climate. In park or garden, lawn or hedge, it lays claim to dis- tinction for clfectlvcness and beauty. In city gar- dens, where there Is only limited space. It Is one of the cleanest and most satisfactory of shrubs, either as a well-hhaped bush or a low tree with nearly bal- anced head. But It is in large places that Us charms can be dis- played to the best advantage. In lawns, where large clumps of the snowy-colored varieties can be planted, it has few superiors in point of brilliauey and fragrance. Clumps of lilac, .losika'a arc intro- duced with line etreet in the C'cntral Park, and, when In flower, are among the finest attractions. In this climate it takes the place of the rhododen- dron, .so much prized in England. Besides being very hardy, it has the additional advantage of its fragrance, which the hardy rliododcodrous do not possess. In grounds sufTicienlly large. It can be used for oniamcntal hedges. Its dark green foliage is not affected by atmospheric changes, nor has it any in- sect enemies. It, therefore, always forms a clean and handsome background, aijd, when in llower, is a feature of the park or garden. Where privet hedges are already grown, the lilac can be grafted w ith no little efleclivcness, at intervals of about ten to fifteen feet. The lilac grafts, when grown, project over the privet, and form round or jiyramidal heads varying the monotony of the ordi- nary formal hedge. By many the lilac and other highly fr.agrant flower shrubs are eonsidcrcd invigorating and healthy as atmospheric puriliers anddispcllersof noxious vapors. I well recollect when the cholera was raging through- out Europe in, I think, 1^:10, the savants of the city of Stuttgart, where I was then residing, ordered the burning of fragrant herbs in the market place, to prevent infection. Wliellier owing to this means or not, the city escaped the dreadful scourge. Culture and Manwjciiient. — -Although it will thrive and flower in any soil, an annual top-dressingof stable manure will well repay the trouble and expense, iu the fuller development and beauty of both flowers and foliage. Half standards, for single specimens, can be grown either on their own roots or iriafted on the common sorts, as well as on the ash or jirivet. In order to render them attractive they must have well balanced, bushy heads, and be kcjit in form liy regular thin- ning and pruning, .\fter the flowers have faded they should be removeil, in order to cause new growth that will insure profuse blooming the following season. By this means the flowers may also be very much enlarged. Fur Winter Flowering. — In all large continental cities, and iiarticularly Paris, the lilac is in great re- quest for winter lloweriug. The common purple is generally used for forcing, and when kept in houses darkened by mats or otherwise, produces pure white flowers. In order to produce the best results the ]ilants should lie carefully selected in the spring and planted in jiols ; then phiimed in the ground during the summer, and kept well watered. In September they should be rciKittcd info rich compost and in suc- cession, according as required, be placed in an atmos- phere of 00 to 70 degrees Kaiirenheit, which should gradually be increased to SO deirrccs, and even as high as 100 degrees. Tlie rmits should be well 6Ui>- plied with water, and the plants should receive fre- quent syringing with tepid water. They may also be taken up carefully with balls in the fall to bo forced the following winter, but we recommend the former method. When no forcing house is accessible a warm room answers very well in its stead. New 'Vegetables. The past season's experience has proved the value of at least a few of the newer vegetables brought out by the seedsmen. Among tomatoes the Troiihy is by far the best of all the newer varieties, although ihis is now well established. Tlie "Little Gem," for Iwenty-flvc seed of which I gave twenty-five cents, is lit lie, and a gem certainly, sweet-flavored, solid, smooth, and bears abundantly; but it is no better than the Trophy. The "One liundred Days Tomato" is good for uothinu', being late, small, and very much misshapen. "Key's Prolific" is good, bears abun- dantly; but is not "preferable to the Trophy. It was the only variety, out of a dozen or more, that the l>otato bugs took a fancy to. Of pens, Laxton's "Alpha," the "Little Gem," a dwarf, and Laxton's "Supreme," have turned out excellently. The second needs no bushing, bears large pods very plentifully, and is very sweet. For early, second early, and late I shall plant "Little Gems" next year. " The "Su- preme" is a fine pea, having long, full pods. It grows alKiut three feet liiirh. Dreer's improved dwarf Lima bean is an acquisition. It is very prolific, the pods are closely filled, »nd it bears about double the crop 14 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ Ja nuary, of the common sort. But of all the prolific vege- tables the "green prolific cucumber"' has taken the palm. For pickles, either for use or for sale, there can be none better. One hill of three plants has pro- dueeJ more than half a bushel of cucumbers, which grew in bunches and with remarkable rapidity. Pe- ruvian guano may have helped, but there is a great deal in the variety itself. Of squashes, a new cross- breed of Mr. (iregory, of Marblchead, named the Butman, has proved better than theMarblehead,one of its parents. For pies it is superior to any that I liave grown. The flesh, when cooked, is dry, sweet, and very full of flavor. This variety is vigorous enough to withstand a hundred borers in each vine without perishiug. The "Early Peabody' ' sweet po- tato is another acquisition. It is red-skinned, and early enough to permit of its growth far north, I doubt not, even in Canada. It is too soon, as yet, to decide as to its cpiality. ^ Suggestions About Plants. To succeed well some judgment is required in choosing proper stems. Old wood will grow if taken at the right lime, which is when new leaves are just forming on it; they will take longer to grow than young shoots, but will eventually make nice plants. It is well to know this in case of a large plant get- ting broken. Take the .«lip from the lower part of the plant, as near the root as you can choose one. When slips break off short and crisp they are sure to root, although this rule will not hold good for wooded plants, such as roses, azaleas, &c. Set the cutting, before they wilt : if you carry them any distance, sprinkle them with water as soon as taken from the bush, and wrap up tightly in paper, putting an extra dry piece of paper outside, tying it tightly. You can carry slips three daj's in this way, not opening the parcel until you are ready to set them out at once. Take any or- dinary dish, either earthenware or tin, about an inch and a half deep, fill with silver sand, adding water sufficient to completely saturate the sand, but the water must not stand on top of it. Be sure it does not get dry. Place the slips in the sand almost up to the second eye — if the eye touches the sides or bot- tom of the dish they will root quicker ; keep the dish in the sun, even if you have to move it from spot to spot. In from five to eight days the roots will have appeared or will be ready to do so, when you can pot the slips, using one-half good garden soil and oue- half sand, setting in a shady, cool place for three days, and gradually bringing into warmth and light. Sowing Flower Seeds. The rule which we have adopted for beds in open ground is to cover all seed from three to five times their short diameter, small seed receiving only a slight sprinkling, and larger a more copious sifting of the fine mould . No seed should be sown when the soil is not dry enough to be reduced to fine powder. The best soil is sandy loam, but a large proportion of clay makes a good material if dry enough to be made perfectly mellow. The addition of sand and leaf mould will make any soil of proper consistency. The best way to sow seeds is, in the first place, in drills or circle ; then the weeds may be easily taken out. If sown broadca.st it will be more difHcult to keep the bed clean. Provide a quantity of finely pul- verized mould in a basket or barrow, and cover by sprinkling it evenly with the hand. Avoid soaking the beds with water until the plants are dry. If the surface is likely to become too dry after sowing, which is often the case, put on a thin, gauzy mulch- ing. This may be pulverized moss, thin canvas, or even a newspaper. Every person who plants a flower garden should know the hardy plants — which usually come up soon, and may be sown early — from the tender, which are often more tardy in appearing, and should be sown later. DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Burry the Rubbish. Hundreds of insect pests find safe winter quarters in the rubbish of the fields and g.ardens. The prim- ings of currant bushes, raspherries and blackberries, dead squ.ash vines, loose pieces of bark, bunches of weeds, and such ruhhisli, hide multitudes of eggs, larva^ pupa; or perfect insects. Such loose stufl'had better be burned ; to consign them to the manure heap is only to propagate the pests. When burned there is an end of them, and of much unsightly waste which no neat person should have about his premises. Rust on Blackberries. Charles Phelps in the Frnil Recorder states that he has dealt with rust as follows : " The first year of rust I cut the bushes ofli' and burned them, as recom- mended in the Recurder last year. I cut ofiT the leaves, and left tlie canes standing. The result was the canes leafed out again, wifhoitt rust. I think it is worth other persons trying the coming summer. Scarlet Fever. The Boston Board of Health has issued the follow- ing as a circular, sending it to every house in the city. It deserves a careful reading : Scarlet fever is like small pox in its power to spread rapidly from person to person. It is highly contagious. The disease shows its first signs in about one week after exposure, as a general rule, and persons who escape the illness during a fortnight after exposure may feel themselves free from attack. Scarlet fever, scarlatina, canker rash and rash fever are names of the one and the same dangerous disease. When a case of scarlet fever occurs in any family, the sick person should be placed in a room apart from the other inmates of the house, and should be nursed, as far as possible, by one person only. The sick chamber should be well warmed. Its furniture should be such as will permit of cleaning without injury, and all extra articles, such as window drapery and woolen carpets, should be removed from the room during the sickness. The family should not mingle with other people. Visitors to an infected house should be warned of the presence of a danger- ous disease therein, and children especially should not be admitted. On recovery the sick person should not mingle with the well until the roughness of the skin, due to the disease, shall have disappeared. A month is con- sidered an average period during which isolation is needed. The clothing, before being used by the patient or the nurse, should be cleansed by boiling for at least one hour, or if that cannot be done, by free and prolonged exposure to out-door air and sun- light. The walls of the room should be dry rubbed, and the cloths used for that purpose should be burned without previous shaking. The ceiling should be scraped and whitened ; the floor should be washed with soap and wat£r, and carbolic acid may he added to the water — one pint to three or four gallons. The infected clothing should be cleaned by itself, and not sent to the laundry. A Hint to Grape Growers. — A vine grower under glass, writes that it is now generally admitted that inside borders, which have been properly drained and constructed, can hardly receive to much water when the vines are in active growth, Useful Hints for Home. To Cure Bilious Headache. — Drink the juice of two oranges or of one lemon, about half an hour be- fore breakfast every morning. Cuke for Bilious Headach, II. — Dissolve and drink two teaspoonsful of finely powdered charcoal in one-half a tumblerful of water ; it will relieve in 1.5 minutes ; take aseidlitzpowderan hour afterward. Cure for Chronic Rheumatism. — Dr. Bonnet, of Graulhet, France, recommends and prescribes for chronic rheumatism the use of the essential oil of turpentine by friction. He used it himself with per- fect success, having almost instantaneously got rid of rheumatic pains in both knees and in the left shoulder. To Cure Hoarseness. — Beat well the whites of two eggs, add two tablespoonfuls white sugar, grate in half a nutmeg, add a pint of lukewarm water, stir well and drink often. Repeat the preparation if necessary. Asthma. — One ounce flour sulphur, one ounce pulverized sugar, small quantity of ground capsicum, enough to barely flavor it ; dose, as much as a three- cent piece can hold, every two hours; rub the chest and spine with butter and salt. The homreopathic remedies are arsenicum and capsicum ; avoid sauces, cheese, cakes, pies and gravies as food. To Prepare MulleIn Leaves. — Mullein leaves for catarrh are to be dried and powdered as fine as you would powder sage, and the smoke drawn through the nostrils from the mouth, but not swallowed. To Make the Hands Soft. — Take equal portions of glycerine and alcohol ; mix well ; before retiring at night wash the hands in warm water and rub well with the lotion. To Keep the Hands Soft, II. — Take three pounds common yellow soap, one ounce of camphor dissolved in one ounce of rose-water and ounce laven- der water ; beat the above in a mortar until it be- comes a paste ; make it into balls to dry, and place it in a cool place for the winter. Hair Invicorator. — Bay rum, one pint; alcohol, one-half pint ; castor oil, one-half ounce ; carbonate of ammonia, one-quarter ounce ; tincture of cantha- rides, one-half ounce ; mix them well. This mixture will promote the growth of the hair and prevent it from falling out. Suggestive to Fault-Finders. " Now, deacon, I've just one word to say. I can't bear your preaching ! I get no good. 'There's so much in it that I don't want that I grow lean on it. I lose my time and pains." " Mr. Bunnell, come in here. There's my cow Thankful — she can teach j'ou theology." ' " A cow teach theology ! What do you mean ?" " Now see ! I have just thrown her a forkful of h.ay. Just watch her. There now ! She has found a stick — you know sticks will get into the hay — and see how she tosses it to one side, and leaves it, and goes on to eat wliat is good. There again ! She has found a burdock, and she throws it one side and goes on eating. There again! She does not relish that bunch of daisies, and she leaves them and — goes on eating. Before morning she will clear the man- ger of all save a few sticks and weeds, and she will give milk. There's milk in that hay, and she knows how to get it out, albeit there may be now and then a stick or a weed which she leaves. But if she re- fused to eat, and spent the time in scolding about the fodder, she, too, would ' grow lean,' and her milk would be dried up. .Just so with our preach- ing. Let the old cow teach you. Get all the good you can out of it and leave the rest. You will find a great deal of nourishiuent in it." Household Recipes. Doughnuts. — Three eggs, two cupfuls sugar, one and one-half cupfuls milk, butter size of a small egg, two teaspoonfuls cream tartar rubbed into a quart of flour, one teaspoonful soda dissolved in milk, a little salt, and one-half nutmeg; use flour enough to roll out soft ; cut in fancy shapes and drop into boiling lard. A slice of raw potato put in the fat will pre- vent it from burning. Almond Maccaroons. — Scald 12 pounds of almonds ; take off skins and throw into cold water till all are done, then pound them with one table- spoonful essence lemon to smooth paste, add equal weight of powdered sugar and \yhites of three eggs ; work the paste well with the back of a spoon, then dip fingers into cold water and make into little halls and lay on white paper ; dip hand in cold water and pass over each one ; bake in cool oven three-quarters of an hour. Lemon Puddins.— One-half pound sugar, one- quarter pound butter well creamed, yolks of eight eggs. Pour this mixture into a rich crust of pastry, after adding the grated rind of two lemons. Then partially bake it. "Beat the whites very stiflT, and add a spoonful of sugar for each egg. Then add the juice of two lemons, pour this meringue over the pudding and brown it quickly. Silver Pie. — Peel and grate one large white potato. Add the juice and grated rind of a lemon, the beaten white of one egg, one cupful of white sugar, and one of cold water. Bake in a nice paste. After baking, spread on top the whites of three eggs, frothed, sweetened and flavored with lemon. Set again on the fire and brown. Lay on small pieces of jelly or jam, just before taking it to the table. Rice Croquetts.— Wash well one teacupful of rice ; put it to boil in a pint of milk, the same of hot water, until quite tender, but dry ; while hot add a piece of butter the size of an egg, two tablespoousful of white sugar, two eggs, the juice and grated peel of one lemon ; stir this up well ; have ready the yolks of two eggs, beaten on a plate, some fine cracker crumbs on another ; make up the rice with your hands in rolls about three inches long and two inches round ; dip into the egg, then into the crumbs; fry them in hot lard to a light brown. Served hot. Cubes for Household Pests. — Kals are said to have such a dislike for potash that if it is powdered and scattered around their haunts they will leave them. A piece of rag well soaked in a solution of cayenne is a capital thing to put into rat or mice holes, as they will not attempt to eat it. A plug of wood covered with a piece of flannel so prepared may be used to fill up the holes. Cockroaches and ants have a similar dislike to cayenne, and a little strewed about a cellar will keep it clear of them. Lady Fingers.— Rub half a pound of butter into a pound of flour ; add half a pound of sugar ; grate in the riud of two lemons, and squeeze in the juice of one ; then add three eggs ; make into a roll the size of the middle finger; itwill spread in the oven to a thin cake ; dip in chocolate icing. Short Cakes. — One pound sifted flour, quarter of a pound butter, and half as much lard, very little salt, a pinch of soda, well dissolved in just vinegar enough to cover it ; work all well together with ice- cold water enough to make a stitf dough ; roll it into paste half an inch thick : cut it into round cakes ; prick the top with a fork, bake in a quick oven. To Prepare Squash for Pies. — Saw a squash in half, clean out the seeds, etc., then place one end down in a pan containing an inch or so of boiling water, placing small strips of wood or thick wire underneath them, so that the edge will not burn on the pan. Let it steam until thoroughly tender. The flesh of the squash is then easily scraped out with a spoon, and run through a colander, if thought desi- rable, though it is not necessary, there being no hard lumps in 117 By this plan none of the aronia of the squash is lost, while it greatly reduces the labor of preparation. Another plan is to take the two halves after cleaning from seeds, etc., join them together and bind firmly with twine, and place in the oven to bake until tender. There is little, if any difl'erencc in the result, hut 1 give the prcfercBce to the first method as being much the easier. , Moths in Carpets.— A good way to kill them is to take a coarse towl and wring it out of clean water. Spread it smoothly on the carpet, then iron it dry with a good hot iron, repeating llie operation on all sus- pected places, and those least used. It does not injure the carpet in the least. It is not necessary to press hard, heat .and steam being the agents, and they do the work effectually on worms and eggs. 187fi.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. d5 LIVE STOCK. ENTOMOLOGICAL. Sheep for Profit. In a paper rcconllv reail lieforo tlic Hillsilalc! (Miehlfran) institute, Alexnnder Hewitt^ yave tlie following leasons for Iceejiinir sheep : Init wlille 1 advocate mixed Inislmnary as a rule, there are pre- ferences ainonp farmers with regard to tlie kind ol etock most profitable for them to keep, which is very proper ; lor while one man can sec certain sne- cess in the future from hreedin;; good horses, another can see it much more clearly in the production of good cattle. The man who would go aside to kick a sheep has uo business with the care of that inotleii- 8ive animal. Sheep give orts taking over ■40T subscribers in lU days. AU who engage make money fast. You can devote all your time to the business, or only Your spare time. You need not be away from home over night. You can do it as well as others. Full iiarticulars, ■directions and terms free. Elegant and exi^^jieive outfit free. If you want profitable work send us your nddress at once. Ir costs nothing to try the business. No one who engages fails to make great pay. Address "The People's •Tournal." Portland, Maine. 9-8 -ly I is not easily earned iu these times,butit can be made iu tliree nmuthfl by any one of either sex, iu any ^lart of the country who is willing to work steadily at the employment that wO lurnieh. $(56 i)er week in your ovm town. Y'ou need nol be away from home overnight. You can giveyo«r whole time to the work, or only your spare moments. It costs nothing; to try the business. Terms and %r> Outfit free. Address at once, H. Hallkxt & Co., Portland, Maine. lt-3-ly $777i ONE OF A THOUSAND. I -have cured myself with roots, barks and herbs, after suCfering ten years with Liver Complaint, Costiveness and Piles, Weak Lungs and Paitial Ixiss of Left Side. I am a witness to God's mercy. Aged people and delicate women sufleilng with Indigestion will find this remedy invaluable. I.h;i\e alpo one of the best Cough Kemedies known, $1 per bottle; the other remedy $! per box, or both for $1.50, Post paid Circular and advice free for stanip. \VM. WESTNEY, 10-1-lm* Springfield. 111. Half Dozen for - - - $6.00! SHIRT FRONTS, CI n. No. Igti, UUOJJUUUUID) Ijincii nii(i Pnper CoSliirw and t'liflM SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER E. J. ERISMAN'S, llO North Queen Street, Second door from Shober's Hotel. NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING. A book containing a list of towns iu the U. S,. haviug 5,ii0it pop., and tho newspajier having largest eircidation. AU the Rehgious. Agricultural, Scientific, and other special class journals. Tables of rates, showing cost of advertis- ing and everything which an advertiser would like to know. Mailed on receipt of ten cents. Address r. If, Vet.n : " o Lord, »r.:ordin8 lo «ll TliT rlght»r.i.nr"« I _,, .of.h Tlip.'. toi Thi.is fiiitor »inl Thy fury be loriicJ aosy from Thy cU», J.rii.«l«ni."-JfaJMMO 4tthe MoMt SubUniK -MaMugf I MASTERPIECE OF AE.T .vur publirtti.-ii, li le A i.nir.-i t . iipi . f,ai.> iiKl'.v Ivi.i «llich nnH f,. SBO.OOO IN C3^0I.I3. OI'EB O.VB lltSltUKIt fMaWletCS iiro rcpriocntcfl ; from the Innoopiit bah« I I lit lis 111.. 111. -fs l,r.-i»s! I.I 111.. slr..ii:; i.i;iii hdi iiiii;lity warrior. In th." nttlliiilc iif u-rror niul [ .Ifspalr. Ilp.liii; Moni the vvriilli i.r .\JmiBlity «..XyBI-IsmNG. CO., Wo. f SIi>ni4> K(i-4>4-<. <*I>i4'I>\ iTI. O. A GREENHOUSE AT YOUR DOOR. For $1.00 ^e will send free by maili any one of tlie following lots : 8 dlsliocc variciit's, Sloiith'.v Roeos, Winter flowering. 8 " Bof;oriiaa, ** 8 " CnriiBtioo Pinka, " 8 '* ChineBC Chn.'KAnthonm9, " 8 " Znnnl Gcraniumi, " 8 '* DuuHle, ** ** 8 •' ivy LPiiveit " " 8 " Beliotroii(.'B, " 6 - Abulil.ms. " i^ " Double C'uiiii-Ilafl, " 4 " Azaleaa, '* 4 " Lobj-ter Cactus, " 6 " Bouvardias, " 3 " Steviasand Eupatoriuma," 8 *' Fucli^tna, " 4 •' Doubh" Violots, " 2 " PoinsoUa, Scarlet Jt >71iftc, do. do. 4 ** Plumbago, do. do. 8 '• Ftrns, for War.lian Cnsee. 4 '• I'Mlni.H. 6 " Mo'^.3. " 6 '* Marantas, " 8 " Hva-intli Dulbs. 20 assorted Tnlips. Bulbs. 60 '* Crocui " 3 " .Jacobean Lilv, Bulbs. 12 " OxaHs. 4 U!y of tbo Valley. 8 New Pearl Tubfrnse. OR BY EXPRESS I 3 of any of the abore 81 colloctions for $8. 5 " " " 3 7 « u .. 4_ 9 " " " 6. 12 " " " fl. 14 •' '• " 7. Or tltc whole collection of 238 Dulbn and Plants sent by Exjirt'ss on rcceijK of ^1.5,1*.*, to wbich either of our book*, GAKDliMMi KUK i'llOMT. PK.XCTKAL KLUKICIL- TUKE, or GAHDKMM; FOK PLEASUKE (vulue $l.jO cachj, will b*" added, l)i ^criiHlv*- Cataloguo (r«e. PETER HENDERSON & CO., KecdMiBien nii>>1el x-m Vnt, A.blross. L. J. Mfl.l.Kie, 181 E. Front St.. Ciucinnmi, o. GRACE'S SALVE. A Vogelrtble I'ropnmlion, invt-utt'd in tho ITtli ccutiiry by Dr. WlHinm firuce, Surpeun in King JameH' army. Tbrough its ageucy he cured tbouHandn of the most eerious sores and wonndn, and waB regarded by all who know* him op a ]uiblic beuefactor. 25c. a box, by mail 30c. For sale by druggista geiiercUy. AGENTS WANTED. Address SETE W, fOTLE Jt ZWZ, inva, Ku>. »-10-«m 1760. ESTABLISSEB 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO., 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE, BUILDII^G HAEDWARE, FAINTS, OILS, PUMPS, TER8A com, IRON aMLEADPIPE, LEATHER BELTING, SEEDS, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. Agents for lb« " Ohio " Reaper and Mower, Whann'a Phosphate, Fairbank's Scales, Dupont's Powder, Harrisburg Nails, &c., &c. We have (he largest atcck of general Hardware In lb* state, and nnr prices are as loir aud terms an libera! as oaa be found eUewhere. 9-1-tf. Centennial and Hartford Tobacco ■eeds can be obtained by addressing the proprietor at Mount Joy, Pa., or the editor of The Fabmeb, No. 101 Korth Queen street, Lancaster, Pa. Price, 81.00 per packag'e. The leaf of these Tobaccos were awarded a premium at the Centennial Exposition iu 1870. U OTJT OF '^TTOHS." BONO AND CHORUS, BY ALICE HA"WTIIORNE. Author of *' Lislen to the Mocking Bird," " I'll sail the seas «ver," •* What is Home without a Mother,'' etc., etc.- " Out of work, without a penny, Pleading hel before thy door, Without friends umoug the many — Look with pity on the poor."' * ^ * One of the most touching and beautiful balladw ever ■written, will give the author a more extended popularity than auythiug she has ever written. Price 35 cents— or, JUuHtrated title page 4it cents. For sale at all music stores, or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishet p, J. M. STODDAKT & CO., 9—9 72:1 Che&tnnt Street, rhil.idelphia. ESTABLISHED 1832. the beat mtrkec variety. B. B. & GO'S SURE HEAD CABBAGE, BAT TIEW HTBRID K CI.ON afid the new Tomato— Bed Cblef. ^^ScQd for Catalogue to SElTSOir, BTTEFEE Ss 0 0., Seed "Wareliouse , 223 Clxtiicli St. , Fhiladelpliift, a. SENER & SONS, Hauufacturers and de;ilerB in all kinds of rough and finished r.x7iyEBE:R, Tb« beet Sawed SIII.V«I.F..S iu the country. Aleo Saeh, Doore, Blinds, Mouldings, &c. PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING and PATENT BLINDS, wtiioh arc far superior to any ether. Also best COA L oonetautly on hand. OFFICE AND YABD : lortbeast Corner of Prince and Waliint«t8., «-l-ly For NINETY DAYS FROM DATE Elegant Table Silverware Can be sMured \-iid tl to ihv rtoove t'oiiipaiij , with your name and addrefi*, and also locnclo'^e with it 75 cents ir. par all - liarges, includitii; cost of engravlr-g Iniliiild. paclting, boxing, and expresa charges. The Spoonrt will Ije tent by cx|>re83 lor mail, if tou have no express ollice), and delivered in vour hands widiout further coat. The-se Spo.;-us are guarnnteed lo be of the hts! TiiRterial. and eniiol to the beat Silver-Pluled Wareaiade, us the followiug Ic-Her froiu the t/ompnuy Will tcstifr : Oi-Fi K .jF NATu-:*Jib Silver Plating Co., T04 ChesinutSt., Philadelphia. Fa. To whom it may Concern.— The SpBhus sctil out uu'ier this arrangement w ■ ;:iittr.iuice ;ire '->r bi'si fiwalilj-, Urst heavily plated wiih pure nickel (the hardest T. hii^ metal known), and a double-extra plate of inire Coin-Standard Silver add^d on top ol ilie nickel, thus renderiuL' them Iht: vei'y best Silver-plated W»re nianuric- liiii-l. U'r will honor no order which dues nnt c-niaiu the Silverware Coupon, and we will n.it Imnor the CoupoQ after niUL-tv d:iv^ rrmii the date of thisi pap-jr. , Si^ufi] NATIONAL SILVER PLATING CO., 704 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. and on ■ iUc75' oilie cli SILVKinVAUK COUi'ON, 1 receipt of this Conpon, together with 7fi cents to cover all charges, litclud- pi ess cr niailini;. engraving and boxing, we hereby agree to send to any ad- 1 •'et of our pure Coiu-StandarJ double-extra plated SI LVER SPOONS, nch Spoon eoevave any desired initial. All charges are to he prepaid h\ entfl eeni us, and the Spoons will be delivered at destination free of any arce. D'l for ninetT days from date of this pnper. after which lhl5 roiip.-in le null .id. [Signed] NATIONAL SILVER PLATING CO.. 704 Cliestnut St.. Philadelphia. Sliuiild it be dij-ired, any one of the folln I1.M1 (if til" ^piinns 'III paviiient of the folb' knii es. I'liide and handle i.'ne solid piece, best attel. double nickel and silver plated. !t'i : t-ix forKe. double nickel and silver plated, yj cts. If all these gf..id-i lire desired, eni-loac the total chargen, which will belocts.for spoonR, $:■ i..r knives, and So cts. for forks— total, $3.70— thus socurinc for i:\'0 wliiii would coft von nmch ni"ie in nuy t'tlier way. Rr-membcr that each aitiele, except knives, will be engraved with any initial desired without entra cost. JSVSP0R7ANT NOTICE. This liberal offer holds good for only ninety days from date, therefora il 19 to (be interest of all who can pecurc its beneflis 10 see to tl that they are uot ik'l>irreil by reason of the expiration of the time specified. All let- ters ordrriue Silverware bhould Lie addressed direct to the NATIONAL SILVER PLATING CO., No, 704 Chestnut Street. PHILADELPHIA, PA. l.-^-i*-^ 1823. SEND FOR 1878. NEW YORK OBSERVER The Best Religious and Secular Family News- paper. $3.15 a Year, post-paid. Established 1823. 37 PARK ROW, NEW YORK. SAMPLE COPIES FREE. A. N. BRENEMAN, Jr., MANUFACTURER OS" FRENCH CALF BOOTS TOB 6EWTI.EMEM, FRENCH KID BOOTS FOB EADIES. No. 36 West King Street, LANCASTER, PA DUNBAR'S CHILD'S SHOES A SPECIALTY. 9-1-iy r> (To imbeerthera'in ►pi Ct 1 CCtl y the county. SIITGLE OOFIES 10 CEHTS. To •ulnerilwrf out of \ (t-l OR Itie county. ( lipl.^Cj Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, FEBRUARY 15, 1878. LINNSUS BATHVOW, Publisher. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. Clubbing, 17 Special Premiums for 1878, - - - - - 17 Correction, --------17 Driving Away Rats, - . - . - 17 George Stinton & Co., art publishers, . - 17 The Weather, ------- 17 Home Experssions, ------ 17 February — Kitchen-Garden Calendar, - - - 17 Lancaster County Publications, - - - 18 A County Well Supplied Willi Home Reading Matter. Queries and Answers, ----- 18 The Peach Bark-Louse, 18 The Luinbard Plum, ----- 19 Thoroughbred Short-IIorns, - - - - 19 Revu of January Numbei' — Von IhnnboU^ - 19 Pruning and Training our Grapeviues-jD. SmeycJi, 20 The Ditauy— /. Stmiffo; ----- •il Alioiil the Ice Around Uitany. Half-Way Plowing—/. ».,---- 22 Harrowing \Vhe.il — EfTects of Neglect. Around the Farm. No. 5 — linralist, - - - 23 Poultrj-Keeping — '1 obacco Plant Beds, The Coming Tomato— "Echoff," - - - 23 Planting Trees for Timber and Fuel— .4. H. E., 23 Hoeing'Whcat— y. A'. Banta, - - - - 24 The Past, Present and Future of Dairying, - 24 Dark Brahma Fowls, - - ■ - - - - 25 How -Fruit-Crowing May be Made a Source of Profit by Farmers — By Junus Cuhkr, - - 25 I. If Poisible, Sflect Your Location Near the Best Markets. — z Select Such Fruits, and Such Varie- ties of '1 hem. as are Adapted to Your Marlcet. — }. Select Such Fruits and Such Varieties of 'I hem as are Adapted to Your Climate and Soil. — ■4. If Possi- ble, Have a Variety. — 5. Plant Other Crops Among Your Yo\ing Frviit Until tlte Latter Shall Need All the Ground. — 6. Carry on Fruit-Growing Systemati- cally and Vigorously as You Can. — 7. Market Y'our Fruit in the Best Condition. — 8. Preserve in a Fresh State, or as Nearly so as Possible, the Fruit for \Vhich a Market Cannot be Found Immediately. — 9. Transportation Companies Can Do Much Toward Securing the Object of Which We .Are Speaking.^ 10. 1 here Are Related L)epartnients of Labor Which May be Made to Swell One's Receipts. Our Paris Letter, ------ 26 Our Local Organizations, - - - - 27 Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society — Election of Members — Reports of Special Committees— Condition of the Crops — Reading of Essays — Questions for Discus- sion— Referred Questions — New Business. Tobacco Growers' Association, - - - - 28 »Thc Crop Reports — Applicaticn of Lime to Land — The Manure Question — Election of Officers — Fine Tobacco. The Linnnean Society, ... - - 29 Historical Collection — Library — Paper Read — New Business. AGRICULTURAL. The Value of Hen Manure, .... 30 Raising Cloverseed, ----.. 80 What a Big County We Live In, - - - SO Agricultural Notes, 30 HORTICULTURAL. Pruning During Winter, ----- 30 Pruning Fruit Trees, ----- 30 Forcing Asparagus, ----- . 30 More Large Trees, - 30 DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Oatmeal as an Article of Diet, ... 30 Airing Beds, --. ....30 Keep Borax in the House, .... 30 Household Recipes, - . . . ... 30 LIVE STOCK. Controlling Horn Growth, .... .31 Good Stock, - - 31 Give Us a Breed of Walking Horses, A Morse's Petition to His Master, Vermont Wool Growers' Association, Elizabeth Stock Farms, . - - POULTRY. In-Breeding of Poultry, - . . Fowl Feeding in Cold Weather, How to Manage, - - . - Sore Eyes in Poultry, - - - Literary and Personal, - - - 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 We ofter fur Wpriiig Of tsT.S, the liirt,'i.4t and most complete stock in the U. S., of FrllH 'I'roes. Stiindiiid and Dwarf. 4»rliaiii(^iital Trec'MA'KllrubN, deciduous & evergreeu ROMCN a specialty — oil the fmest sorts. Ureeii A' Hot IIoiisp Plants.iucludiiiKbest Novelties Descriptive and Illustrated priced Catalogues seut pre- paid to custoiuers, fret*; to others, ou receipt of stamps, as follows : No. I. Fruits, with colored plate, I5e.; plain, lOe. No. 2. t^rameutal Trees, colored plate. 25c; plaiu, 15c, No. 3. Greenhouse, free. No. 4. Wholesale, Free. No. 5. Itose Catalogue for 1878, Frot*. USJ^Stiiall parcels forwarded liy mail wheu desired. Address ELLWANGER llJ--2-3ni] & BARRY, Rochester, N. Y. M. HABERBUSH, MANUFACTUREU OF Plain and Fine Harness, COLLARS, "WHIPS, FLY NETS, &c., ALSO niC.^LER IN TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS, BUFALO ROBES, Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, <&c., No. 30 Penn Square, 9-1-ly L.\NCASTF.R, P.\. GRAND TRIUMPH IN HORTICULTURE. The crowning r*.-sn\t oi Kii/hti;-)i iji'ir.s i\s Skw jU:KKit:K. The Ciii(lorella:ind4'oitliii4'iilnl Sirnwberrie** and Knrly I'roliflic and Itel Iuikm' K»v|»l>c*r riON in now offort'd to tho Public ; T4>Hiegs and plank by Doyle's Rule, cubical contents of Bquare and round timber, stave and heading bolt tables, wages, rent, board, capacity of cisterus, cord-wood tables, interest, etc. Standard Book throughout United States and Canada. Ask your bookseller for it, or I will Bead one for 35 cents, post-paid. «. M\ FISHER, 10-2~3mj P. O. Box 23t!i, Rocbesler, X. T. « AT ^ Any worker can make $12 a day at home. Coetly I Outfit free. AddreBB Thuk k Co., Augusta, Me. EDW. J. ZAHM, DEAI.BB IH AMERICAN AND FOREIGN WATCHES, SOLD SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE. CLOCKS, JEWELRY f TABLE CUTLERY. Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted SPECTACLES. Repairing strictly attended to. Z.A.HIVE'S COFinrSFl. North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Fa. 9-)-ly $66 a week in your own town' Tt-i ms iuid $5 outfit free. Address H. Hai.i.i;tt 4: Co., Portlaml, Maine. 10-'2-Iy- 4 FLOWER^^VEGETABLE^^i sv ,%'^--"' ^••^^. .-AiiiJiljJ l\ is tlie mOfit beuUiliUl ^M-ikni Itie kili-iiii (in- i\«.Hid. It contains nearly ISO pages, hundreds of fine illustrations, and six Cliromo Platen <»/ Ftou'er», beautilully drawn and colored from nature. Price f»0 cents in paper covers ; $1.00 in elegant cloth. I'rinted in Gernmn and Knglish. Vick's Illustrated Monthly Magazine,— 32 pages, fine Illustrations, and Citloied Piute in every number. Price Jl.'jri a year ; Five eopiew for $r>,O0. Vick's Catalogue, — 3lto Illustrnlions, onlv 2 o^ntfl. AddP'J^H, -I.XMKS VICK. It. rli.>i»i*-4iHftf Cttri'tl. New paths marked out by that plainest of all iMoka — "Plain Home Talk and Medical Cunmion Sense," —nearly 1,IMK> i»ages, 2U0 illustrations, by Dr. E. B. Foote, of 120 Lexington Ave., N. Y. Purchasers of this Book are at liberty to cnuttuU its author iu person or by mail free. Price by mail $.^.25 for Wia Stnmlard edi'ion, or $1.50 foi the /fo/>i. AfjfutM Wanted. MURRAY HILL PUBLISHING CO , 9-10-ly ]29EaBt 29Ui St. N. T. ir. THE LANCASTER FARMER. Trains leave the Depot in this city, WESTWARD. Pacific Express" Way Passeiigei't Niagiirii Exi>ie6;8 Col. Accommodation Mail train via Mt. Joy No. 2 via Columbia Sunday Mail Fast Line* Frederick Accommodation. Harrisbn vg Accorn Columbia Accommodafiou.. Harrisburg Express Pittsburg Express Cincinnati Express* EASTWARD. Atlantic Express' Philadelj.hia Expresst HarviHburg Express Colnmlna Accommodation.. Pacific Exi>resH^*'' Suud;iy Mail Johnstown Express Day Express' Harrisburg Accona. sen EOVIiE. as follows : Leave Aviive Lancaster. Harrisburg. 2:40 a. 111. 4:05 a. ni. 4:50 a. m. 7:50 a. m. 9.35 a. m. 10:40 a. m. 7:20 p. m. Col. 8:00 p. m 11:20 a. m. 1:00 p. m. 11:20 a. m. 1:25 p. m. 11:20 0. m. 1:30 p. m. 2:10]). m. 3:25 11. m. 2:15 p. in. Col. 2:45 p. m 0:00 p. m. 8:10 !•. m. 7:20 p. m. Col. S:no p. m. 7:25 p. m. 8:40 p. m. 9:25 p. m. 10:50 p. ill. 11:30 p.m. 12:45 a. m. Lr.ucaster. Philadelphia. 12:30 a. m. 3:00 a. m. 4:10 a. m. 7:00 a. m. 7:35 a. m. 10:00 a. m. 9.28 p. m. 12:30 p. m. 1:20 p. m. 3:45 p. m. 2:00 p. m. 5:00 p.m. 3:05 p. m. 6:00 p. m. 5:1S p. m. 7:20 p. m. 5:50 p. m. 9:00 p. m. The Hanover Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster ■with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a.m., and will run through cu Hanover. The Frederick Accommodation, west, connects at Lancas- ter with Fast Line, west, at 2:10 p.m., and runs to Frederick. The Pacific Express, east, ou Sunday, when flagged, will stop at ISIiddletown, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Landis- Tille. *The only trains which run daily. tRuns da'lv. excfpt TMnnd.iy. TO AGENTS. The Century CI art. A 100-year Almanac, whereby you can ascertain what day of the week any day of the month is or what day of the month any day of the week is, was, or will be, from 1799 to 1900, or in what day any event has taken place, from 1799 . to 1900, and 1000 other occurrences. The greatest in- * § vention of man. Every person will buy one; also the ^ ^ great Egyptian Puzzle. Sport for all. Either article 2 e sent on receipt of 25c. pos't paid, or Si jjer dozen. * H Agents wanted everywhere. Ladies and Gents secure your town at once. You can make $'20 per week. Send for sample. 9-12.Gm] KOOllS BRO'S, Novelty Dalers. 00 and 102 Washiiiglon Sv.. CHICAGO, 111. P U L M O N A is beyond comparison the best remedy for the cure of CON- SUMPTION ( EVEN IN ITS MOST ADVANCED STAGES),./! S/Zaftft, Broncftitas, Catarrh, and all derang^-ments of the NERV- OUS SYSTEM. A circular containing pabticulaks of MANY CASES srccEssFULLY TREATED, full advise for the treatment of the diseases above mentioned, and certificates of actual cures, will be sent free by mail to all appbcants. Address OSCAK G.MOSES, Sole Proprietor, 18 Cortlandt Street, New York. 9.10-(5m THE LATEST INVENTION. THE VICTOR NUTMEG GRATER, A Domestic Jewel that will last a life-time. NEEDS NO REFERENCES. Does away with the Inconveniences connected \Afiih other Graters. Its coustnictiou com-ueuds itself to tile i)ublic, and all the leading Kitchen Furnishing Houses speak of it iu the lllgheBt terms, IT IS IJf FACT THE Most Simple, Most Durable, and Most Re- liable invention ever offered to the public. PRICE 2B CENTS. l>ireclions — Take the grater in the left hand, palm towards you, with your third finger through the hauiUe, place the thumb on the spring-lever, remove the feeder and insert the nut. Price to Agents $1.75 Per Dozen. Gooil liive Agents Wanted Everywhere. All orders should be addressed to C IB. THOIVEPSON, Manufacturer's Sole Agent, Also Dealer & lanf r. of Patent Noyelties, &c. BRIDGEWATEE, CONN, THE IMPROVED Sewing Machine I, — Makes a perfect lock stick, alike on both sides, on all kinds of goods. 2. — Runs Light, Smooth, Noiseless and Rapid. 3. — DuKABLE -Runs for years without Repair. 4. — Will do all varieties of Work and Fancy Stitching in a superior inanni^r. 5.— Is A fost Easily managed hy the operator. Length of stitch may be altered while riuming, and machine can be threaded without parsing thread through holes. 6. — Design Simple, Ingenious, Elegant. Forming the stitch ivit/iotit the use of Cog WHcel Gears, Rotary Cams, or Lever Arms. Has \.\\t Automatic Drop Feed, which insures uniform length of stitch at any speed. Has our new Thread Controller, which allows easy movement of needle bar and prevents injury to thread. 7. — Construction ;;/<3j( careful ax^A Finished. It is manu- factured by the most skillful and experienced mechanics, at the celebrated ICI^MlVOTO.^ t Rn4»SCY. Ilion, K. Y. Attention is called to our greatly reduced prices. 8. — The No. 2 Remington Machine for Manufacturing and Family use has been recently improved, and is offered to the public with the assurance that it will give entire satisfaction. ARMORY: IL,ION, N. Y. PIUNCIPAL OFFICE: 218 and 283 Broadway, New York in-2-1y] EVERYTHING FOR THE GARDEN Numbering 1T5 pages, with Colored Plate, SENT FREE To our customers of past years, and to all purchasers of our books, either SAEDENING FOR PROFIT. FR.1CTICAL FLORIOULTURB, Or GARDENING FOR PLEASURE. Pries $1.50 each, prepaid, by mail, To others, on receipt of 25c. Plain Plant or Seed Catalogues, without Plate, free to all, PETER HENDERSON & CO Seedsmen, Market Gardeners and Florists, 35 Cortlandt St., N. T. 9-7-1 >■] ") 10-2-tol ADVERTISING. $1,000 WOB8TH FOR SS7..50. The ch.?;i]ifrit aud best WLiy to reiich readers outside of the bivge cities is by usiug oue or more of our six lists of over l.OOO ue\v.sp;iper8, divided to cover different sec- tions ot tlib country. Weekl.y Circulation over «O0.000. Advsrtisemeuts received for one or more lists. For Ciitalogues containing names of papers, and other in- form.ition aud for estimates, address DEALS t FOSTSS. 41 Pari: Eow (Timas Buildingl, Now York. Cn PER CENT TO AGENTS, for the illustrated Monthly. JU union in CHEIST, 50 cents a year; also large o isli eoii'niis-)i.)ri o;' villi II, le preiniuTu to canvasers for THE LONDON CHRISTIAN HERALD, an Illustrated ■Weekly, cuntamiiig sermoua of C. H. Sl'LIKaEON, DR. TALMADGE and D. L. MOdDV, interesting articles, ser-ial story, etc. Three months, 75 cents, $2.50 a year, from U. 8 Branch Office. Write now for sample copies and terms free, to H. A. KING, 17 Bible H^use, N. Y. City. THE NATIONAL AGRIOULTIIRisf' AND wWeING FARMER, estiilihahed 1S17. a d.Miljle quarto, Iti page, Il- lustrated Family Paper, devoted to Agriculture, Stock Raising, Bee-Culture, &e. Try it ! fi months fur 55 cents, or with the ILLDSTK.\TED P'rONOUNC'INS DICTION- ARY, 3 0 pages, 250 engravings, cloth, sent with the paper a year, both post-paid, lor only $1.30. Large com- missions or valuable premiums to Agents. Address WM. L. ALLISON, 128 Nassau St., New York. FREE. For a Club for either the Eureka Shirt or Dreas Chart, will send a Chart free on receipt of 25 cts. to pay tor mount- ing and postage. Uhs. A. J. MARROW, IndionapoliB, \u\ We Will Pay the Highest Mafket Price for all of the following articles or we will sell them for you on ^% (5 ])er cent.) cpinmisssiou mt^mm^^m^aa^^^^ Cheese, E O &J I.- O H I ■ T BT D T R Y,Lard, Tailiow. Feath- H || I I PK. ers, Potatoes, A P>.B* I^ EK, BV W ■ ■ inllll /N « A TTVr ^''""^' ^^'''^' ^"'■' ^^'^^'' ^^ool, ^JTAbjCateXx^ 9 Peauui.s Broom Cora, Diied Fruit, Hay, Hops. &c., &c. I..iB>eral cash advane^vs made ou largecousiguraents of staple articles. Farmers, shippers and dealers lu general merchandise should write for refe- jeucp, price curj'ent, stencil, &c. WJien writing us, state whether you wish to ship ou cousitjLmeut, or sell; if you wisli to sell, name the articles, amoant of each, aud your VERY LOWEST PRICE f^edTt B, (fiee aboard curs) at your nejrest ship].iugi:oint. Also, if possible, send sample by mail; if too bulky, by freight. Addess HULL & SGOTNEy, Commission & Shipping Merchants, 331 aiKl 346 Norlli Water Street, 9-U-ly] PaiLAnELPHIA. We are now selling Hew Pianos for $125 Each, and all styles, including Oraiid, Square ant. The veteran Magazine, which long ago outgrew its origit ual title of the Sew Monthly Magazine, has not in the least abated the pO]iularity it won at the outset, but has added to it in many ways, and has kei)t fairly abreast of the times, thauks to the enterprise of the publishers and the tact and v/iedom of its editors. For whatever is best and most read- able in the Literature of travel, discovery, aud fiction, the average reader of to day looks to Harper's Magazine^ just as expectantly as did tlie reader of a quarter of a century ago; there is the same admirable variety jf coutents and the same freshness and suggestiveuess in its editorial departments now as then.— Bo!itun Journal. T B eTm S . Postage Free tc all Sul33cribers in the United States. Haupeu's Magazink, one ye:ir $4 00, S4 in) includes prepayment of V. S. postage by the pub- lishi-rs. ,'iuhscrtptionj^ to Harper's MAGAZiNE,WEKKLT,a7i('i Bazar, to viw address for one year. $to 00 ,• or. two of Jlarper^f Periodicals, to om* address fi>r one year, $T,U(i ; postage free. An Extra Copt/of (////cr ?/«• Magazine, Weekly, or Ba- zar will be supplied i/ratis for every Club of Fivr Subscri- bers «( ?4 00 cfirA, ;>«/'? for by one remittance; or, Six Cop- ies nil*' year, vithout extra eopy, for $20 00. Hack yttniiierfi can be supj^lied at any time. The volumes "of the ifa<7(U//ie cOmmeucc iivith the Num- bers for June and December of each year. When no time is specilied, it will be understood that the subscriber wishes to begin with thecurreut Number. A complete Set of Harper's Magazine, now comprising 65 Volumes in neat cloth bindiug, will be sent by express, freight at expense of inirchaser, for $2 25 per volume. Single volumes by mail, iiostpaid, $;J 00. Cloth cases, for - bindiug, 50 cents, by mail, postpaid. A Complete Analytical Index to the first Fifty Volumea of Hakpkr'8 Magazine has bee.n published, rendering availa- ble for reference the vast aud varied wealtli of information which constitutes this periodical a perfect illustrated litera- ry cyclopedia. 8vo, Cloth, $2 eO; Half Calf, $5 25. Sent postage prepaid. Subscriptions received for Harper's Periodicals only. Newspapers are not to copy this advtrtisemeiit without the express orders of Harper & Brothers. Address HARPER & BROTHERS, New York. GET THE BEST.) Ilfarrow*« Pictorial Family Bible and En- cyclopedia of Biblical Knowledg^e, contains 64 important features, nearly 1,800 illustrations and many fine plates by Gustave Dore and other artists, Genuine morocoo bindings and heavy panel, ten styles and prices. Send for circulars and terma to agenta. S. L. MARROW h CO., IndianapoliB, Ind« The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., FEBRUARY, 1878. Vol. Z. No. 2. CLUBBING. We ofler The Fahmhh, clubbed witli other first-class publications, at the following; prices : rhrenoloi/ical Jonrnal and Farmer - §:! 00, $\i.!>0 Ha-Q)cr's Monthly and Kaumer - - - 5.00, 4 00 Jfarpir's llVc/rfy and Farmer - - - 5.00, 4.00 Harper's JSa,-iir a.ndF\Uiimi . - - - 5.00, 4.00 i/«-aW 0/ //oi/^A and Farmer - - - 2.00, 1.50 A'ational Live .Sloek Journal and Farmer 3.00, 2.50 Mount Joy Herald ami V\HMER - - 2.50, 1.75 Friemh Journal and Farmek - - - 3.50, 3.00 Tlie first cokunn indicates tlie regular prices of the two journals respectively, and the second column the club rates if the two are ordered together. SPECIAL PREMIUMS FOR 1878. Club Rates— No. i. To any one, within the county of Lancas- ter, sending us a club o( five new subscribers, accompanied by four dollars, we will send five copes of The Farjier, to any address, for one year, from the lirst of January next, and two copies of "Jenkins' Art of Propagation," a beautiful octavo of 32 pages, and 25 tine embellishments, which sells readily at .50 cents jier copy. To any one out of the county, for five dollars, five copies and two books. No. 2. For SIX subscribers, accompanied hy five dol- lars, we will send six copies of The Farmer, as above, and one copy of the "Life of Charles Dickens," by Mrs. Hanaford, or "Driven to Sea," by Mrs. Coupples, or "The Presidents and tlieir Administrations," or "The Declaration of Independence." These are royal 12 mo. volumes of about 400 pages, hand-somely illustrated, and sell for $1.50. No. 3, For ten subscribers, and ten dollars, ten copies, as above, and one box of "Kunkel's Celebrated Perfumes." These boxes contain six bottles of pertume, the regular retail price of which is one dollar per bottle, or "The Century of Independence," price .$2.. 50— very 'desirable premiums for local lady canvassers. No. 4. For //teen subscribers, and fifteen dollars, we will send sixteen copies of The Farmer and a SIO.OO order on Peter Henderson, good for ttcentij-four choiee flowering green-house pl(L}its, twenty packages of flower seeds, and, twenty packages of vegetable seeds. Peter Hen- derson is known all m'er tlie Union, and there- fore nothing need be said about the quality of his goods. No. 5. For twenty subscribers, and eighteen dollars, twenty copies of The Farmer, and one copy of "Science in Story," consisting of a series oi five illustrated square 12 mo. volumes of 2.32 pages each (1160 images). Please see our literary columns fir a more full description of this desirable series. No. 5. For twenty-five subscribers, and twenty-four dollars, twcnly-livc copies of The Farmer and one of "Peck's Celebrated Atomizers," worth fflO.OO at least. This is the best ma- chine ever invented for throwing liquid solu- tions and decoctions on insect-infested plants. For an illustrated description of this machine see the May (1870) number of The Farmer, page 09. To clubs made up beyond the borders of Lancaster county the cash amount required will be greater, proportioned to the dilierence in published terms, as to home and foreign subscriptions. Our canvassers cau make tliese calculations upon the basis of our lirst propo- sition. We are making arrangements for additional inducements to subscribers, whi('h, if accom- plished, will become manifest in future numbers. We also intend to increase our numlier of desirable illustrations forlBVS, and add other embellishments, as fast as our means will allow, and we respectfully ask the public to help us make The Lan(;aster FAit.MER a credit to the "great county," and the people among whom it is located. Our tenth volume should be the crowning volume of the series — so we desire. CORRECTION. We would respectfully call the attention of our wheat-growing readers to a typographical error which crept into j\Ir. Grolf's "Improve- ment in wheat culture," in our November number, 1877. On page 104, second column, and line twenty-four, from the bottom, the figures should be 61 bushels instead of "31," as there printed. This is inqwrtant under the circumstances, and ought to be corrected. DRIVING AWAY RATS. Dr. T. C. Smith has made an important discovery — how to rid a building of rats. First, he caught a rodent alive. Next, he poured carbolic acid over him, and then sent him adrift.. His relations and acquaintances didn't admire the fragrant odor, and concluded to leave the premises for mon; favorable quarters. Not a rat was afterwards seen about the place. "Try it on." We believe coal oil would have the same effect. The remedy is cheap and simple. We would respectfully call the attention of our readers to the card of Messrs. George Stinton" & Co., art jiublishers, Portland, Maine, in the advertising columns of this number of our journal. Also, to those of Messrs. True & Co. and Messrs. Ilallett & Co., in the same column. These are all first- class publishing houses, and the agencies for their publications are th(? most lucrative and desirable of any in the Union ; and as they employ none but honest and capable agents, the coinnmnity can place the utmost confidence in them. ^ THE WEATHER. Up to the end of January the season was unusually mild, although we cannot say that it was unparalleled in the previous history of the country, for we nevertheless h.ad two or three pretty "cold snajis," during one of which the Conestoga and the Susquehana w-ere closed with ice, and afforded a slmrl and brisk ice harvest. But in December mosipiitoes were abundant, and in some i>laces ;niiioyin^ : iK'csescaiied from their hives and "swarmed," and snakes and salamaiulers were active and came forth from their winter quarters. In .lanuary the dandelions and the vinlels bloomed ; the cabbage butterlly was abroad, and iirasshoppers "leaped for joy." During November, December and .January many beetles {Aiihodians) were on the wing, and in some places the fruit buds seemed ready to burst open— but winter reigns now. HOME EXPRESSIONS. L'AXCAsrER Far.mer. — The January num- ber is received. As it appears so it is, a neat, clean, solid journal, furnishing a great deal of I)ractical information and interesting reading. It has of our best jiractical farmers among its contributors, and its editor, Prof S. S. Kath- von, is scarcely excelled in the knowledge of plants and insects, and their habits. In the bauds of such aa editor, suiTOuiided aud as- sisted by the farmers of the best cultivated country in the I'nion, The Far.mer is, proba- bly, the most practical agricultural journal in .\merica. Let us, hen^ at home, not be guilty of that crime which left a i)rophet not without honor, "save in his own country." Let every farmer in the cimnty, and in surrounding counties, not only subscribe for The Farmer and pay for it, but induce friends in other places to do so, and make its worth known. Uemember we will furnish the Herald and The Farmer one year for $2.00, paid in ad- vance.— Ml. Joy Herald. TirELAXOA.STER Farmer has just entered upon it.s tenth volume, and asks for a more liberal support than it has received in the past. The Farmer is one of the best, most practical, interesting and valuable agricultural journals that we know of, and wc can heartily commend it to all who arc interested in farm- ing, horticulture, stock raising, and similar pursuits, and in particular do we think that every fanner, fruit-grower and stock raiser in this and adjoining counties should be a regu- lar reader of The Far.mer, as a large portion of its contents have bearing upon the wants and interests of this section of country. Let our people resolve to encourage this valuable home journal, and thus help to make it still more valuable and interesting. Subscription price, $1.00 a year to persons in the county, and .$1.25 to those outside of this county. Linnaeus Rathvon, publisher, Lancaster, Pa. — New Holland. Clarion. [Wc doff our "beaver" to friends Iloffer, and l{anck & Sandoe; may tlie good news be ILralded tliroughout the land, with a Clarion sound, until every nook is reached by The Faiuier.] FEBRUARY— KITCHEN-GARDEN CALENDAR. 7)1 the Middle States, frost usually prevents out-door efforts in the way of gardening. Next month, however, will bring its labors, and we can now only prepare to forward them. It is presumed all iiers(ins in whose hands' this numlier of our journal is likely to fall, are [irovided with that cheap and simple means of enjoyment, a hot-bed, for forwarding tender vegetables. We do nrove that it is the ultimatum of perfection. If we ])ursue the investigation of this matter in a physiological manner, we are led to understand that all summer ]iiuning tends to les.sen the vigor, and cripple tlie energy of all grape vines ; and practical ex- perience, combined with observation, jiroves the fad. Arguing from this point, we may be accused of advocating no summer pruning at all, to which we say, no suninier lu-uning at all. If the greatest extension of liranches and corre.siionding roots, or l)alk of timber were the object, then the less jiruning the better ; but the present position is a consideration of circumstances and adaptability, iiidei)endent, to a certain extent, of nature's action ; the object being to coax her to accommodate her- self to our conveniences, and as the grape vine is one of the most easily trained of her family, we have in this case a partial control. Wo ought, then, to consider what we arc doing, and how far we are acting in unison with what are known to be established laws ; and to in- fringe too far upon these is sure to produce evil ; this or that man's dogmatical opinions must certainly fail, unless they be based upon this indisputable certainty. Where is the use of following this " should be," or that " ought to be," unless somewhat in accordance with these natural demands ; yet we find a prolific and luxuriating plant, such is as the grape vine is stubbed, is cut close and sheared like a convict ; we are nearly saying shaved, too ; for the pinching back to one eye above the fruit, is nearly tantamount to the close opera- tion. The reason given for this peculiar treat- ment is, that the fruit, and also the plant, is strengthened by it.' How would it strengthen one's toes by cutting off a finger, supposing another would grow in its place ? or, would an animal produce the finer offspring, if the body were to be mutilated ? It is just possible tliat any amount of gangrene would be the consequence ; but:, as to the truly healthful action, it is possible that we should be none the gainer ; perhaps this kind of analogy may be thought a very vulgar way of explain- ing what might be shown in more delicate words ; but, of coarse, the true meaning is purposely explained, to show up the ridiculous- ness of curtailing nature, as slated above; the subject is a matter of circuinstances ; we have to do with a family of (ilants that would occupy a great volume of surface, yet wc wish to have a large numl)er, comparatively speaking, in a sni.ill space, and the best thing we can do is not to weaken down natural energy more than there is occasion for. Prun- ing, properly performed, and in the right season, is certainly a great service ; we find it so, practically ; its good effects are every- where to be seen when it is adojited ; but so far and no farther is it advisable ; if proof be required of the injury that may be done by too close stopping, let anyone try the experi- ment of pinching in closely the side slioots of a part of his vines, and leaving the other sev- eral joints longer, and he will lind at the end of the growing season that those which were left the longest are better ripened than the shorter ones, providing the light has had equal intluencc on both ; if the vines arc no further apart than three feet, the distance will allow a shoot on eacli side, of from fifteen to eighteen inches, upon which there may be from seven to eight leaves ; and allowing the fruit to be on the second or third joint ; there will still remain four or five leaves al)ovc it, each of which will do its duty in elaborating the crude juices and assimilating the car- bonic acid absorbed, thereby adding to the bulk and solidity of the whole structure ; and, if so, iucrcasiug the amount and greater firmness of the roots ; for, according to the amount and action of the foliage under favor- able inlluences, so are the underground ex- fiemities encouraged. As slated elsewhere the grapevine is a plant of great longevity, notwithstanding which, with the practice of some vine-dressers, it is considered to be worn out in a few years, and fresh i)lantatioiis have to be made i)eriodi(ally ; this may, in vine- yard culture, answer the purpose ol the culti- vator ; and by the method of only allowing a few feet of bearing surface to each individual, a great amount of fruit and of suitable (piality for this purpose may be- obtained from a limited extent of land employed. Here is evidence that too much curtailing of the plant's natural disposition shortens life and weakens down the constitution to such an extent as to make it worthless, compaiatively sjieaking, in a very short lime. Considering that there is not a very great exi>eiise in replanting a vine- yard, th(; means may be said to justify the end. It behooves us to think well how we may pay back a permanent interest on the capital invested ; and if there be any method that will keep a trellis or vine in healthy bearing for a long time without the requirement of renewal, surely it must be wisdom to adopt it. If the grape vine is a long liver and allowed to extend, and soon worn out if kejit in a .small comiia.ss, is it not reasonable if we wish permanency, that all availalile space that we have in the superficial area of a trellis should be covered with healthy leaves, in order to better concentrate and store up the food for future developnnmt ; and add each year a layer of well-organized albumen to the previous existing sound vascular tissues. If we take into account the glutted prepara- tions that are often compounded for vinery borders, and the consequently immense en- couragement given to luxuriating growth, it really appears surprising that such close cut- ting as is generally i)racticed, does not either kill or cause disease in less time than is the case ; and it is justiliablc that the present ravages of mildew in this free country have been accelerated by this cause. Such are the writer's ideas upon the subject, and as the present object is to enlighten the learner, they are submitted to approval or censure, as each liractical and successful cultivator may think fit, with the con.scientious belief that such is more becoming the jn-esent age of progress, and if followed up will be the means of ])ro- longing the heallhfulness and fruitfulness of grape vines. — Ke.spectfully submitted, Daniel Smeycli. ♦ For TuK Lancasteb Fabheb. THE DITANY. A communication from Major Spera, of Ephrata, this county, gives a statement that he found the common Ditany, Cwiila Mari- ana, in the latter part of November or begin- ning of Ueceinber la.st. enveloped with thin plates or funnel-shaped icy formations around the dry stems of last year's growth. About the Ice Around Ditany. The communication published in the JVeto Era, with respect to the common Ditany, t'unila Mariana, having been found by Major Spera, of Ephrata to have funnel-shaped ice or frost-work surrounding the remains of the last year's stem ; by a pencil sketch he shows the frost-work to commence at the base of the stem, through the thawed opening of the soil surrounding the stem, building up and daring out the frost-work, so as to have no contact with the stem at all. This corresponds with my own observations, made the Cth of December, 18.56, and pub- lished in the llorticuUural Journal of Piiila- delphia, then edited by J. J. Smith, (new series. Vol. VII., p. 7.3), in which I also re- fer to Dr. Darlington's notice of this fact, l)rior to my observation, as I learned by con- sulting his Flora Ceslrica, publislied in 1853, D. 10'.). In an article published in tlie Scientific American for February 24th, 1877, (Vol. XXXVI., p. 110,) in answer to a certain 22 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ February, "Frost Plant of Russia," said to have been introduced. This led to a reference to the frost-worlj around the Cunila. I quoted the opinion of Dr. Darlington, who says: "In the begiuniug of winter, after a rain, very curious ribbons of ice may be observed at- tached to the base of the stems, produced, I presume, by the moisture of the earth rising in the dead stems by capillary attraction and then being gradually forced out, horizontally, through a slit, by the process of freezing. " In my article I said : "Had the doctor given a more extended investigation I fiiiicy he would have agreed with me as to the cause ; I found hundreds of diversified specimens. I am not aware that it was just after a rain. I took up a number of plants and always found a vigor- ous, scaly, root-bud undergoing development, at this early season, underground, to produce a new stem the following year. I came to the conclusion that, as the temperature was below freezing and snow was on the ground, (by no means necessary to produce the icy foruia- tion,) I conceived the vigorous bud, in close proximity to the surface, gave out sufficient heat or warmth to generate vapor from the moist soil. This vapor, rising around the stem of the plant and attracted by it, becomes congealed into a snow-like, pearly ice-work, takmg various forms." I then quote Mr. Hun- ter aud Lamarck, Hales and DuHamel, that experiments go to sustain such an opinion. But my worthy friend. Prof. Jolm LeConte, of the University of California, at Oakland, California, thouglit it proper to let me know, as well as the general public, that my article called attention with reference to the ice around the stems of Cunila Mariana. He then shows that, " As long ago as 1850 it was his privilege to call the attention of the scien- tific world to an identical class of phenomena in a paper entitled, 'Observations on a re- markable exudation of ice from the stems of vegetables, and on a singular protrusion of icy columns from certain kinds of earth during frosty weather.'" This paper was publislied in the "Proceedings of the American Associa- tion for the Advancement of Science," third meeting, Charleston, S. C, March, 1850, (pp. 20-34,) and likewise in the "London, Edin- burgh and Dublin Philosophical Magazine" for May, 18.50, (third series. Vol. XXXVI., pp. 329-442). He then informs us that Sir John r. W. Herschel published a short notice of a similar exudation of icy fringes occurring around thistle stalks and stumps of helio- tropes, in the "London and Edinburgh Philo- sophical Magazine " for February 1S33, (third series, Vol. 11., p. 110,) besides the notices of Prof. S. P. Rigand, March, 1833. and Prof. J. D. Dana, 1849. In my reading I have not met with any of those publications referred to. and it seems by no means new or rare ; and we may thank Prof. John LeConte for calling our attention to his paper on this apparently important topic. He says: " In the paper re- ferred to will be found a full discussion of the possible sources whence the large supply of water is derived, which, by freezing, forms the accumulations of icy fringes in the one case and the icy columns in the other." He continues: "Suffice it to state that I have then shown that, in both oases, the phenomena are purely physical., having in the case of plants no connection with the vitality of the stem; (the italics are mine, to note what he says and how he says it ;) and that the ap- pearances "are quite at variance with any ■ idea of the deposition of these icy fringes from the store of aqueous vapor— in the. general atmosphere, in the manner of hoar-frost. Now, let us examine his illustration of the ice ribbons on the old, dry stems of Plwhia, the marsh flea-bane, he shows the sheets of ice far above the soil, and coming out on two sides of the stem. He says—" It is more common and conspicuous in the Pluchia bifrons than in P. camphorata.''^ Both plants grow abundantly in wet soils, around jionds and along the roadside ditches, in the low country of Carolina and Georgia. We have his illus- tration and description of the Pluchia. I illustrate and draw conclusions from the facts and appearance of the Ditanij, a plant of the mint family, and found in dry soils and in shady, hilly woods in most parts of the United States. Thus the two plants are different ; nor do the ice ribbons come out through a crack in the stem, so that Prof. Leconte's description of the " ?nars/i ./?ea-6cme" and tigure, differs from that witnessed in theDitany. Not having met with'the Professor's elabor- ated description which is to settle the matter as to cause, I can only argue from the figure he gives and the brief statement he makes. It iuay be that plants like the pluchia growing ill water, by capillary attraction in the pith of the old, dry stem, may draw up the water, and when frozen, split the stem. But in this case it would be water, and formed into clear ice. There is iiuite a dift'erence in the congela- tion of vapor entangled with air, which gives it the agglomerated appearance of snow crystals, forming deposit upon deposit into thin sheets of a beautiful pearly whiteness. Every one knows that the breath of man and beast causes these snowy crystals to be formed when the temperature is sufiiiciently low. The moist, warm air coming from our sewers or out- houses, show beautiful festoons of such frost- work, without involving the idea of " aqueous vnpor in the general atmosphere,'^ in the manner of hoar-frost, which the Professor flings out as if it had a bearing on the question ; I also be- lieve the phenomena purely physical. And as all agree that the ice around the stems of the Ditany arises from its very base and does not touch the stem, no matter how dry or how old or how hollow, I deny that the ribbons come from the water in the" steins of the Cunila, as shown by Leconte to arise from opposite sides of the stem, some distance above the soil in his illustration of the Pluchca, so that his theory may answer the case witnessed by him; and as Dr. Darlington was no doubt acquainted with the Professor's explanation, did not stop to see that the fact did not apply to the Ditany The Doctor says clearly, "the very curious ribbons of ice may often be observed attached to the base of the stem;" he must suppose that the slit is in the very junction of tlie stem with tlie root, if any slit at all in the stem. Prof. Leconte closes his notice by say- ing in reference to my article, " The explana- tion given by Dr. Darlington, in his Flora Cestrica, in 1853" (as quoted by your corre- pondent) that means myself, " is more in accordance with known facts." Why not add— as I have demonstrated in the Pluchia— the maj-sh Flea-bane, where it was forced out through the stem growing in wet ground, as and so forth V How will such a theory ac- count for a similar phenomenon in dry soil, and not from slits in the old stem above the soil, but from the soil itself around the base of the stem ? It seems to me the Professor should have considered this difference. He nor any one else has yet shown that any one claims a " connection with the vitality of the stem,'' nor that the riblwns come from cracks in the stems of cunila, and hence his strictures fall a dead letter in tlie case of the latter. He does not deny— of which any one can satisfy him- self—that a vigorous underground bud is found on the perennial root-stock of the pre- ceding year ; that heat is developed in germi- nation, that heat and moisture form vapor ; that it would of necessity find escape directly around the base of the stem, the cold atmos- phere would condense this vapor, entangled with the air at the base of the stem, and so continue to add particles until it builds up a funnel-like or egsj-shell-like icy ribbon, free from the stem, as~those were seen by myself. Major Spera and Dr. Darlington, according to his statement. I shall be happy to read Professor John Lc Conte's article whenever so fortunate ,as to meet with it. I have written to several of my friends for a copy, but failed to get an answer. As the matter now stands, neither his ex- planation or illustration, as given in the Scientific American, has any weight to change my view as to the cause ; nor will it require a learned professor to form an opinion for him- self on Stauffer. comparing facts as they exist.—/. For The Lancaster Fakmeb. HALF-WAY PLOWING. More than a year ago I was at a meeting of the Agricultural Society in Lancaster. The members were speaking about plowing for corn. One of the members arose and said, if we would only turn the sod edgways, we would get more corn than we will if we turn it down flat in the iurrow. He stated that he once had a hillside, and he plowed it in lands along the side of the hill. That which he throwed against the hill the plow did not turn over, just set it up edgways, and there he had the best cora. It could be seen on every land. That part which was throwed down the hill, was never as good as that which was throwed against the hill. I sat and listened, but said nothing. Last summer I had an opportunity to ex- periment in it myself. I had a steep hillside, and I plowed it in lands along the side of the hill. It was a clover field, and nothing else but clover. When I throwed the furrow down hill, every head of clover was covered, but when I attempted to throw the furrow up against the hill, some was turned over, some stood edgways, and some rolled back into the furrow from which it had been turned. As every farmer well knows, who has ever plowed a hillside, all that was thrown against the hill looked green, and all the cultivation before corn-planting did not kill the clover, or any other kind of weeds. Some one might say I have no good cultivator. I wish he would show me a better one than I have, to kill clover or weeds in general. I planted the corn, and after it was out I cultivated it thoroughly, but the clover remained, and that was not the worst of it. Some other grasses and weeds were hidden under these clover stalks, after all the cultivation ; and after harvest I went through the field to pull up the remaining grass and weeds by hand, which I generally do. Where it was plowed down hill I had not much trouble, but where it was thrown up against the hill the labor was im- mense, and the result was- contrary to what the gentleman represented at the aforesaid meeting. Good plowing is the foundation of agricultural success ; if the foundation is not good the whole building will be worthless. It is as plain as A B C that good plowing and well-turned-under sod or soil, is, by all odds, the best. Just look back to our forefathers. How did they plow ? Just as the gentleman above stated that we should plow. And what was the result of their plowing ? By the time the corn was up for the cultivator, the fields were blue with "blue grass" and weeds. And what kind of corn crops did they get ? Were they better than those realized at the present day ? Every one knows. [Our correspondent's suggestions seem rea- sonable and practicable. Without intending to participate in the discussion, so far as it relates to the cultivation of corn, the system which he denominates " half-way plowing" is the very one" which will facilitate the escape of cut- worms and moths in the spring, which are so injurious to the young corn. It has been repeatedly recommended by the best authorities, that the best— and perhaps the only—way to destroy the Hessian flies, while they are in the pupa or "flaxseed" state, is to plow them deeply down, and turn- ing well the furrow—" upside down," as it ■ivere— and this would also be beneficial in the case of cut- worms, or at least with those that had pupated, as the moth could not penetrate the deep soil,— Ed.] Harrowing Wheat. I often hear about harrowing wheat fields, and also read the same in agricultural papers; and in The Lancaster Farmer a writer says he harrowed a part of his wheat field in the spring, and that part of the field soon was ahead and higher than the part which was not harrowed, and when harvest came he got more wheat from the harrowed part than 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 23 from tlie other. Last spriiif; I ni:ule an cx- Iieriiiieiit for myself. On the Sth of April I harrowed a strip in a very nice wheat field in which the soil was nice and dry. I made marks on the fence so that I could he always sure of (inding the place I had hanowed. Had I not done that I might have made a mistake as to the right place. After a few falls of rain and the season had advanced I found no difierence could be observed in the condition of the grain from that time until harvest, and the wheat on the harrowed part was no bettor than that on the otlier part, but I had a very good crop all over the lield. I also bad a patch of poor wheat that I had sowed very late, and of this I also harrowed a strip, and with the same ivsult as in the former case. I also tried the same exjierimcnt on rye, but it seemed to make no diflerence. Now, I confess I don't know where the secret lies, that I did not reap the same reward that otliers allege they have by harrowing. Is it in the soil or'in tlie barrow i* My soil is a lime- stone soil, and my liarrow a common spike- jiarrow. Probably the writer above alluiled to had Thompson's barrow. If it lies in the harrow it, no doubt, would pay well to get a Thompson harrow. [Cause and effect ; action and reaction ; recompense and retribution, are conditions characteristic of the whole world of matter, as well as the world of mind. If we propel a ball against an unyielding surface it will re- bound in a line and with a force correspond- ing with the line and force of the proimlsion, unless some inequality of the rebounding sur- face should cause a deviation ; and if an ob- ject should be interposed the rebountl would be turned in a direction very difl'erent from the angle of propulsion, and tliis principle seems to act upon and modify many effects resulting from prior causes.] Effects of Neglect. The snowstorm on the last of January tore down a part of my barn roof — about sixteen feet of the one side was demolished. Several of the rafters were not pinned together at the upper ends, and I think that was the chief cause. It is an old saying, " For the want of a nail the shoe was lost, and for the want of a shoe the horse was lost ;" and so, for the want of a few pins my barn roof was blown off. Had I known it I might have easily prevented it, and thus saved the roof. The barn was built in 1849. It was a culpable neglect of the builder, for the boles were bored but no pins in them. The other rafters were pinned. Per- haps tlie pins were exhausted in raising the barn, and then no new ones made to complete the job. I would advise farmers, and all others that put up and own buildings, to watch the carpenters, examine their work, and see that everything is substantial. — J. G., Munheim twp., Jan., 1878. ^ For The Lancastek Farmek. AROUND THE FARM. No. 5. VoiiHumbolt can't understand the "fowl" air in my last. I did not spell it quite the way the printer did, but I think I can tell him what would make "fowl" ah- 1 Suppose a farmer keeps poultry and does not provide suitable quarters f(U-" the chichens to sleep in, they often roost in the stables, on the stalls and racks, and as almost everybody knows the nature of chickens, they will agree that this will produce "fowl " air ! Thank you for the correction. We like to be criticised. It does us good ; but we ad- mire the ingenuity of Humbolt in putting bis "revu" in phonetic, as criticism is thus well nigh impossible ! This leads me to Poultry- Keeping. There are very few farmers who do not keep poultry, but very few have poultry houses. These need not necessarily be expensive. Con- venience should be the first oViject. However simple the house otherwise, it should have a tight floor under the roosting poles, in order to facilitate the gathering of the manure, which is the most concentrated fertilizer we can produce on the farm. The whfile interior, including poles, should be wliitewaslied frequently, to destroy vermin, and dry earth sl-.ould be scattered on the ttoor occasionally to absorl) the gases, and, above all, the manure should be removed freciuently. I don't tliink it is advisable to liave the hens confined all the time. Tliey do better if not conlined so closely. But there are so many nights when a fowl house would be good that it "would pay to build in a few years. Tobacco Plant Beds. IMy method of sowing tobacco seed is as follows : The bed is dug in the fall or early spring and covered thickly with well-rotted manure ; this is left on until as early in March as the weather will permit, usually about the ITtli. wlien it is raked off and the bed covered with straw, cbiiis, corn-fodder, brush or any- thing that will burn. Fire is then applied, whicli will loosen the soil and dry it .so as to facilitate covering the seed. The weed seeds will also be destroyed, which is alone worth tlie trouble of burniiig. Tlie soil is then raked, after it is cooled off, until it is thoroughly pulverized and then three teaspoonsful of seed are mixed In a basketful of wood ashes and then sown evenly. This quantity of seed, if it is good, is enough for a bed sixteen feet square ; we then take a board and press the loose soil on top. and then it is ready for the covering. Last year I tried both liristles and musbn, and mv experiment proved the superiority of maslin" as a covering. I seeded a bed ltix:52, covering one-half with bristles immediately after seeding ; the other half remained ex- posed nine days, when a sheet of muslin was stretched over it about eight inches from the ground, and the plants under the muslin were up first and were fit to plant from eight to ten days earlier than those under the bristles. We made a box around the bed with boards about eight inches wide, nailing them at the corners, and tacked the muslin on this. When the plants were nearly fit to plant, we rolled back the mu.sliu during the day in order to get them used to the sim.—Buralist, Creswell, Feb. 5tk, 1878. THE COMING TOMATO— " ECHOFF." There have been many improvements made in the varieties and qualities of this popular esculent, on the gnarled and watery things thev were twenty'or thirty years ago, but we think that experience may demonstrate that to Mr. Amos B. EcbolT, an old and experi- enced gardener, of Coatesville, Chester county, Pa., belongs the merit of originatiuj^ "the last and the best." The tomato has become a domestic necessity, as absolute almost as bread and butter— indeed we think that it would be better to do without the latter than without tomatoes— and therefore any im- provement in their culture, their quantity and quality, must be recorded on the roll of hu- man benefac- tions. Mr. Ec- lioff claims for his new varie- ty some quali- t i e s which stamp it with rare excel- iti.wv^ 1.. .1 ,.^w.«.-.^. Among these qualities are great solidity, smoothness of skin, symmetri- cal form, lieautiful color, destitute of a core, and ripening fully to the stem ; and the ad- ditional rare (piality of bearing shipment well, which is an essential point to those who culti- vate for market. The seeds, we understand, are all in the hands of Mr. E., and as he is an old cultivator, and knows exactly what is extant in this line of vegetables, he would not sully his reputation by representing it for what time might demonstrate it is not. Our illustration represents the form and general appearance of this tomato, greatly diminished hi size. We would ask every reader of The Far- mer to try and procure us a new subscriber. lence in a tomato. For The I.anca«tkr Farmer. PLANTING TREES FOR TIMBER AND FUEL. There was a time in the history of our country when the objec:l was to destroy trees and not preserve them as is now tlie case ; then trees were many and the demand for timber and fuel roslrieted ; and as the part of the country first settled was nearly all covered with heavy growth the destruction of the forests was a matter of necessity and not of choice, for it involved mucM hard labor. Un- fortunately the destruction did not cease with the necessity that called it forth, and we have now come to such a pass, in many parts of the country, that timber for buildings and fences must be brought from a considerable distance, and the distance is becoming greater year by. year. We liave, indeed, now come face to face with a disagreeable fact— we cannot do with- out timber and to get it from distant parts is becoming more and more expensive, and we will have to submit to such increasing ex- pense or try and escape it to some extent by commencing to plant the various kinds of trees suitable for the different jiurposes of building, fencing, manufactures and fuel. The planting of forest trees is engaging the attention of many of our most prominent men, and the Legislatures of some of our States have enacted laws favorable to such culture. Among the most prominent is the example of the State Agricultural Society of Massachusetts, which <;ives prizes for plant- ing ; in the west, Illinois has framed "herd laws," by which it is forbidden to leave cat- tle range at large, and thus favors the plant- ing of all kinds of trees without the necessity of^fencing them in until so large as not to be destroyed by cattle. Where to plant is a question that must be well considered, as it must not only be de- termined as to whether the trees will grow at such a place, but may not their shade or their roots do you more injury than the profit de- rived therefrom will "amount to ; or may they not injure your neighbor, when no considera- tion of self should lead you to plant. On the latter account no one should plant trees on the northern or western boundary of bis land where that boundarv is only a fence. In both cases the sun would" be kept fnmi his neigh- bor's land to the injury of the crops. Planting on the eastern boundary would, of couree, injure his neighbor some, but not to the same extent as in the other situations, for it is nearly uni- versally true that vegetation receiving the morning sun up to noon is not near as much injuredlts when it receives the sun only from noon to evening. Trees planted along the roadside should be such as do not grow very tall, and. for reasons stated before, should not be i)laiited on the northern or western boundary of the road, biit in this case, if aiiv iiijurv would result, it would fall on the planter, and as he is master of the side of the road next his own land he must determine for himself as to doing so or not. Many trees could be planted along our wide roads" that would bring in a handsome profit in the course of years. Along streams, particularly on the eastern and southern shores, and in many cases on both shores, willow and other trees loving moisture, might be planted that would bring in returns for the labor and means invested that would, literally, throw into the shade any farm crop that could be mentioned. But it is on land that is too rough for farm- ing or grazing that trees should be planted, and it is'here that we have been losiuL' in our manner of cutting down the woods. On some rough land there was, iierhaps, a good growth of hiekorv, birch or oak, and when they were cut down the land was left to take care of it.self ; if young trees commenced growing up in the course of a few yeare, it was well ; if not, it was onlv what was expected. Had the owner planted "chestnuts, hickory-nuts, acorns, or the seeds of whatever trees he thought best suited, the same season the old growth was cut down, he would have bad a surety of the 24 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [February, land growing into value again from the very start. Even land that is" good enough for grazing can be planted- with trees if the' cattle are kept otl' until the young trees are too large to be destroyed by tlieni. Any kind of grass that loves shade can be sown in sucli places, and make nearly if not quite as much pasture as if it had the benelit of full sunshine. The trees should, of course, not be planted quite as close as when it is not intended to be pastured. But shall we plant the tree-seeds where we want the trees, or shall we plant young trees out of the nursery rows ? If we do plant the seeds where the trees are to grow, at what time shall we plant V In any place where cattle cannot get, and where they will not be injured through other causes, plant the seed on the laud the trees are intended to occupy and plant thick, for then there will be enough strong seedlings that will take care of themselves, and besides some seeds may be imperfect, or the young seedlings may be destroyed through sun-scalds, insects or other causes. As to the time of planting the seed, observe when they fall. That is nature's own time to plant, and you will not go far wrong in follow- ing her. If you cannot plant at this time, walnuts and other hard nuts should be buried in the gi-ound a few inches below the surface until spring opens, so that they will have the advantage of alternate freezing and thawing ; chestnuts and other seeds that have a soft shell may be jireserved in moist sand. The growing of seedlings can best be made known in an article by Mr. Hiller, or some other nurseryman, as to get them to transplant well requires a manipulation that I am not compe- tent to describe in all its detail. When planted with the object of growing timber for building purposes, a man must look a long time ahead" fur the full reward of his labor and outlay, as even the fastest growing trees require almost a lifetime before they are in a fit condition to cut into boards, planks and joists. But this need deter no one from planting such trees, for the land on which they grow becomes more valuable every year, and if put up at public sale, after a lapse of years, ■woidd show an increase in prices over land not so planted that would fully satisfy any person who has been in the habit of receiving only legal interest. At the head of all timber trees for building purposes stands the white pine, and second to it only, and often more valuable, is the yellow pine. The latter is the species now so exten- sively planted in parts of Virginia, where land being so cheap the original outlay is very light, indeed, towards what it would be should land of the same quality be purchased for this purpose in the Middle or Eastern States. In all cases it must be borne in mind, that such trees only as are suited to the climate should be planted. For this reason the yellow pine is the favorite in Virginia and south of that, while in Massachusetts the larch seems to be the choice, it being a tree essentially suited to its colder climate. The hemlock is a northern tree, of pretty rapid growth, but is very little planted for timber, as far as 1 can leam, probably on account of the poor quality of the timber it furnislies and the low price at which the lumber sells. For machinery, implements and fancy and ornamental work, there are many trees suit- able for planting, and the timber of these sells at much higher prices than those used mostly for building purposes only. Wild- cherry, walnut, niajjle antl cedar are in good demand from cabinet and furniture makers, and such as make fancy or household ma- chines. For machinery and implements, hickory, white oak, ash and tulip-tree (called poplar in many parts,) are wanted, and bring very good prices at a medium size. The osier willow is oftentimes very profitably planted on the margins of streams running through meadows, where it would not be advisable to plant trees of larger growth, because they would throw too much shade. There is usually a good demand for the osiers from local basket makers, or they can be readily sold in any town. For fencing we need hardly mention more than two species, the chestnut and the locust, both being fast growers and durable, particu- larly the latter. Sassafras and cedar are also durable, but their slow growth forbids tlieir being planted to any extent. I think there is no tree which brings in greater returns in a short time than the locust, for it always brings a high price and is always salable. Chestnut probably woidd bring more money in fifteen or twenty years than locust, providing the former sprouted up from the stumps of trees just cut down, but when both grown from seed the latter will make a dollar's worth of posts sooner than the former will rails to that amount. Fuel, though not the object, will be abun- dantly'provided by any of' the trees already mentioned, in the way of thinnings, dead trees and oflal. If planted especially for fuel, I do not know of any trees that furnish it in a shorter time than the white willow in moist places, and the pitch pine in dryer situations. The wood does not make as good fuel as many others, it not throwing as much heat, nor for as long a time ; but when more heat is needed we have a ready source in our coal mines, where good fuel can be dug cheaper than it is in our power to grow of the same quality. Coal is much better, cheaper and handier for heating purposes and regular cooking; but there is many a time, particularly in the sum- mer, when for a short time only a little fire is wanted, and that quickly, that light, free- burning wood answers better in every way. Our people are generally known as one who take up a new idea very quickly, and the more so providing there is money in it ; but when the idea is so very radical as to require them to plant timber trees where they have been used to cutting down, as did also their fathers and forefathers, then it may be that the idea would better be quickened into active life by awarding prizes, not for the largest number planted, as is in some cases done, but accord- ing to the number planted. This awarding of prizes should not be left to be borne by agri- cultural societies, but should be done by the State, as it is ultimately for the good of the whole country. It may be claimed that the State has no right to engage in such matters as the giving of prizes to individuals. As far as making new offices for this purpose is con- cerned, we do not believe that it would be policy 'for the State to have anything to do with it, nor, perhaps, even the paying of the prizes themselves, but laws could be enacted requiring oui supervisorsof roads to pay them, and thus each section of country would be liable for all improvements of this kind. A law was passed, a few years ago, requiring supervisors to pay a certain sum, yearly, for each water-trough put up and kept in repair along the public roads, and I do not see that it has been interfering with their other duties, neither would that of paying for trees do so. The preservation of the forests is a subject which has received the attention of the law- makers of many European countries, notalily tliat of France and Germany, wliere a man may not cut down a tree on his own land without a warrant from the forest master, and the latter uses his judgment without fear or favor as to the advisability of cutting, not with regard to its being profitable to the owner, but as "to being the best for the country at large. There are certain rules and regulations maTle governing the master, by wliich he must abide, and he has very little chance of annoy- intJ those with whom he has dealings, as long as^they conform to the law ; as civil service, without the reform, is the law of the land, each officer finds it his interest to conform strictly with the law. No Legislature in the United States, wonld yet dare to pass a forest law that would pre- vent a man from cutting down any tree he pleased, standing on his own land, as it would be regarded as infringing on individual rights, but Thave no doubt that laws with regard to this and many more matters, curtailing the action of individuals, will be made and 1 thought only as a matter of course. Califor- nia has passed a law forbidding the cutting down of the famous " pines," but as they are on land still bell lature had a per — _ — , , ...---_ _j — ^ on land still belonging to the State the Legis rfect right to pass such laws as it .saw fit they LeL- laws as Besides planting for timber and fuel there are other reasons for such a course, both in a useful and an ornamental sense, but as it would make the article too long another time must answer for a further covisideration. — A. B. K. HOEING WHEAT. Oxford, Oakland Co., Miehiaran, 1 Feb. 6, 1878. J Prof. S. S. Rathvon — Bear tiir : I take a fancy to your paper and inclose you a dollar ; send me the paper as long as you can afford for the money. I have a word to say in regard to hoeing wheat, which I think will be a benefit to farm- ers in general. 1 believe that this matter of giving our wheat ground a good loosening in the spring is a matter of the greatest import- ance. As we harrow the wheat, with an ordi- nary harrow, it simply stirs the very surface of the ground in a very imperfect manner, without penetrating to a depth suflicient to give the roots of the plant any benefit what- ever, and packed as solid as the most of our ground is left by the freezing and thawing of the winter, it seems almost a. miracle that the jilant can make any headway at all, and I be- lieve that if we are going to try to increase the yield of our wheat crop, one of the most important tilings is to be able to thoroughly stir the ground in the spring. And the nicest thing I know of for this purpose is the machine manufactured and patented by A. B. Travis, Brandon, Oakland county, Michigan, on which he received a prize medal and diploma at the Cen- tennial Exposition at Philadelphia, in 187G. Several of the largest and most influential farmers in the county tried the Travis hoe last spring,and all agreed that it improved the crop at least 25 per cent., judging from the appearance of tlie heads at harvest. They were longer and broader, and the kernels standing out much more prominent, on ac- count of their size and plumpness. We had a trial of the Travis hoe in our neighborhood last spring on the farms of one of our best men, and was witnessed by several of our largest farmers; among them were those that had 200 and 240 acres of wheat on the sround, and it was pronounced a complete succ-ess. By this trial I have learned that wheat can be hoed with horses as readily as corn, and looks as much improved as a corn- field when well cultivated. The machine is very simple and adjustable ; one man can handle it with great nicety and drive the team. "With it wheat can be hoed. as fast as it can be put into the ground with a drill, as it is the same width aiid number of hoes and space of drill. I think it would be an advantage to farmers to drill their wheat farther apart in order that a large tooth may be used. Some of our farmers that have narrow drills left out every other tooth, calculating to use a large tooth in hoeing, and give a thorough cultiva- tion. , , Hoeing wheat is a new idea, and there is a great deal to be learned. I would like to hear Uirough your columns the best methods and results. 'l shall take particular pains to give wheat hoeing a fair trial on my own farm, and will give you the results by measure.— Fours, etc., P. K. Bnnta. rWe refer our correspondent to an article on the same subject in the November No. of The Farmer, i877,a copy of which we have mailed him.] ^ THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF DAIRYING. The annual convention of the American Dnirymen's Association, of which ex-Governor Sevraour is the President, was held at Cleve- land, Ohio, Jan. 8, 9 and 10. The following is from the address of Mr. J. H. Keall, of Philadelphia, who has for many years taken a 1878.J THE LANCASTER FARMER. 25 prominent part in the discussion of dairy qiii'sticins, liavinj; spoken before tlie leading assoeiation of Great IJritaiu as well as before the most important ones in tliis eouiitry. We give only the prineiiial jioints of his speeeli on the "fast, I'resent and Fulure of Dairying :" Mr. Ucall began by eonlrasting the i)ros- perityof the dairy industry wii h other lirauches of farming, business and manufacturing which had outrivaled all. Cheese and butter were now bringing relatively higher prices than ever before. The experts last year to (Jreat Britain, our chief customer, had amounted to 11U,000,UO(I pounds, worth over S10,(IIK),(1(H), a large increase over the past, and susceptible of still greater enlargement. Butter had also been exported to the amount of 14,(1(10,000 pound.s. It was a known fact that the home consumption is not commensurate with the foreign demand for cheese, but it is liecause the best grades were sent abroad and the poorest quality forced upon our people. If the Ameri- can consumers were given a line, full cream cheese, instead of an article skimmed to death, it would become popular as a wholesome and nutritious food. It was the skimmed cheese which naturally lies like a grindstone upon the stomach, and gave our people the opinion that cheese was indigestible. A mild, rich kind is demanded by the home trade, and would be appreciated as highly here as in England. In reference to butter, a stale arti- cle, however tine, was no longer wanted. The public taste had become so well cultivated that fresh flavored butter was demanded at all sea- sous of the year. To meet this demand the system of winter dairying, so successfully practiced in Illinois, where the finest .stock is made at all seasons of the year, must be ex- tended. Creameries or the associated plan of butter making must take the jdace of private dairies because a much higher price is realized for the product, and much waste and labor is saved the dairyman. Besides all classes should have the opportunity to enjoy flue butter, at reasonable prices, as well as all other articles of food. Concerning some of the evils that have crept into the manufacture of cheese and butter, the speaker said: "Whilst the pennies are important, some dairymen value them too highly ; often to the loss of dollars. I know that the profits of any branch of farming are light, and that it is only by unceasing labor and untiring watchfulness that the husband- man is enabled to live and accumulate some- thing for himself and his loved ones. I know tluit the farmer is compelled to labor from early morning until the sun has sunk in the west, and to practice the severest self-denial in order to make both ends meet. I know that if he accumulates something for the future, it is only. by years of unremitting labor. He has but few of life's comforts, much less of luxuries. The pleasures of the city folks and their social advantages are unknown to him. The rapid accumulation of wealth by the fortu- nate merchant, manufacturer and professional man is beyond his power, even the thousand comforts enjoyed by those in moderate means in the city come not to the average farmer, though all classes are primarily deiieudent upon the toiling husbandman for all they have. I know the hai'dships of the i)ioneers who turned a wilderness into a jjaradise, and God bless them for their noble endurance and self- sacrilice. They have done more for the ad- vancement of our country than all others be- sides. Their toil, their suffering and their life's service liave given us a land surpassed by none. I realize by how small items the farmer obtains the compensation for his labor ; but because all these things are true he should not depreciate the quality of his product in the hope of large results from his toil. On the contrary, lie should strive for excellence in all his products. The best yields most and brings the largest price. This is a universal law." Dairying gives its followers both physical and intellectual food. No class think more, experiment more, nor discuss more. This was attested by their conventions, which should contmue to be encouraged. They had been of vast benefit not only to their members but to the entire dairy community. An imjiortant feature of the dairy industry has been tlie successful establishment of two distinctive dairy frtirs the [last year. One at Meadville, I'a.,"and the other at Chicago, the results of which would be of lasting benefit. Dairy fairs were of long establishment in England, where two had also heen lieUl within the year. In that country the leading men of the nation took a pride in iiarticipation in meetings of dairymen. At the fairs, dukes, and lords and members of Parliament officiated. The Prince of Wales prides himself on having the finest dairy in England. The representa- tive men of America would, sooner or later, be glad to follow the example of the great citizen who, for many years, has presided over this organization and served its interests so largely. ^ DARK BRAHMA FOWLS. Because of the alleged unmotherly and un- fatherly characteristics of the Dark Brahmas, they have not attained to the popularity, among many people, which attaclies to the Light Brahmas and the Cochins; but, not- withstanding this seeming untowardness, their rare ipiality as layers has maintained their status in the poultry world, and is renewing a partiality in their favor. Our illustrations represent a " married pair" of these subjects of the "feathered realm,'' looking as unso- phisticated as a pair of "Marblehcad .sipiashes" that seem to have been specially created to be converted into stews and pie.s. Our pictures will give a better idea of the form and general appearance of these birds than any description of ours, however detailed and lengthy it might be. The predominating colors of the cock are black and white, and of the hen white aiul steel-gray, beautifully penciled — indeed in this respect, as well as in form, the latter is a much prettier bird than her bmly male partner. The Dark Brahmas are desirable stock to cross with our common fowls, and to increase their size and table rou6 tissue. M. Genay, residing near Nancy, sows his clover in March or April, among the winter wheat or rye, at the rate of 11) llis. jier acre, and I'l; of ray grass ; a brush of the harrow follows the sowing machine, and then the roller. After the harvest he top-dresses the clover with ten tons of farm-yard manure per acre ; he thus secures vigorous crops, free from para- .sites and worms. The phylloxera continues its ravages ; better reports come in as to the value of sulphuret of carbon for destroying the bugs. OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural and Horticultural Society. The regular monthly meeting of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society was held Monday afternoon, January 4, in the Athenaeum rooms. The meeting was called to order by the President, Calvin Cooper, esq. The following members and visitors were present : Calvin Cooper, President, .lobnson Miller, Henry M. Engle, Martin D. Kendig, Henry Kurtz, .1. .\I. John- ston, Clare Carpenter, Prof. S. S. Kathvon, Daniel Sincych, Hcnrv Shiffner, \V. L. Hershey, Aaron Summy, Mr. Witmer, Peter S. Reist, S. P. Eby, Jacob M. Meyer, Christian Coble, Henry Erb, Simon Hos- tetter, B. Frank Landis, William McComsey, Jonas Buckwalter, Henry Erb, Joseph AVitmer, Isaac Bushonrul molasses, one cupful water, one and one- half pounds raisins (chopped), one-half cupful weak vinegar, one-half cupful huttcr, a little salt, three eggs, three pounded crackers, spices tosuit the taste. This will make six small pies. LtiNf'ii CIake. — One large tablespoonful butter or .lard melted in one cupful hot water, two cupfuls mo- lasses, one (luart flour, stir two teaspoonsfulfi baking powder into the molasses ; line tin with buttered paper and bake. New Enih.and Sponoe Cake. — Eight eggs, their weight in Mlgar, half their weight in Hour, a lemon rind grated, and add juice ; beat the white separately and add last : line the pan with buttered pajier, and bake in a pretty quick oven three-quarters of an hour. Runaway Cake. — One-half cup of sugar, one cup of milk, two eggs, one spoonful of butter, one tea- spoonful of soda and two of cream of tartar. Hour to make a stitl' batter. This is a good tea-cake, plain or with berries stirred in for the summer season or with currants for winter. Being plain, it is only good when freshly baked. IIiCKORV-NuT Cake. — One pound of sugar, one- lialf pound of butter, four eggs, one cud of milk, one teaspoonful of soda and two of cream of tartar, the meats of two quarts of hickory nuts, flour to make as stitf as pound cake. Cocoa-nut cake is made in the same way, allowing one large or two small nuts to this amount of butter. Dandy PinmNr..— One quart of milk, two large spoonfuls of flour, the yolks of lour eggs well-beaten and mixed with milk ; beat the whites of the eggs separately, mix with four teaspoonfuls of sugar and drop on the top and bake. Potato Pie. — Boil or wash common or sweet potatoes and strain through a fine sieve, to each pint add one and a half pints of milk, a little melted but- ter, two eggs, salt, nutmeg to the taste ; bake in one cruet, like custard pie. In England the women always purchase the gro- ceries and provisions for the family ; if a man should attempt such a thing some housewife would pin a dish-cloth to his coat-tall. Molasses Cookies. — One cup molasses, one-h.alf cup sugar, one-half cup melted butter, one-half cup hot water, one and one-half teaspoonfuls soda, one teaspoonful ginger. Mix soft and bake in a hot oven. White Cake. — The whites oT three eggs, one- half cup butter, one cup sugar, two cups flour, one- half cup milk, three teaspoonsful baking powder. Mix butter and sugar with the hand to make a fine- grained cake. This is a delicious thing if a thin frosting is made, using orange extract as a flavor. A lady correspondent writes to the Wente^'n Rural of what an "English woman of rank" discovered while journe\!ng among the mountains of Switezer- land, in the way of a sleeping jiroteetion against cold. This was a quilt made of hay. "It is nothing but a large square cotton bag with a few handsful of hay shaken in it. It is as warm as three blankets," etc. Well, this is cheap enough and handy enough to afford warmth to every hitherto shivering sleeper. Hot Cross Buns. — To one quart flour add one teaspoonful salt, two tablcspoonfuls powdered sugar, one tablespoonful baking powder, and sift altogetlier ; rub through the flour two tablcspoonfuls of butter; moisten with milk into a very soft dough. Koll out in a sheet a little less than half an inch thick ; cut in small square buns ; in the center of each cut a deep cross. Bake in a quick oven, and while hot wash over the top with milk, using a paste brush. Water-Proof Blacking. — The following recipe for making a water-proof blacking comes to us highly recommended : Dissolve one ounce of borax in water, and in this dissolve gum shellac, until it is the con- sistency of thin paste; add lampblack to color. This makes a cheap and excellent blacking for boots, giving them the polish of new leather. The shellac makes the boots or shoes almost entirely water-proof. Camphor dissolved in alcohol, added to the blacking, makes the leather more pliable, and keejis it from cracking. This is sold at fifty cents for a small bottle. By making it yourself, one dollar will buy materials for a gallon. Apple Johnny Cake. — Scald one quart of fine or medium cornmcal with one quart of boiling water, and add one pint of sweet apples, pared, corctl and chopped. Mix evenly, spread one inch thick on a tin, and bake forty minutes in a quick oven, or until the apples ire tender. Serve warm. Insects.— The tax we pay to insects is greater than that we annually pay for schools, for roads, and for management of government affairs. Insects in all parts of the world are becoming more than ever a terror to the husbandman. The Western farmers, with their experiences of grasslioppers and potato bugs, can sympathize very acutely with the wine- growers of the Gironde. Great as are the achieve- ments of science in Europe and America, its claims to boasting are made almost ridiculous by the impudent aggressions of these little insects. LIVE STOCK. POULTRY. Controlling Horn Growth. A correspondent of the Cuunlry (Iviitlcman^ upon the subject of controlling horn growth, says : Some thirty years ago when a boy on my father's farm, I had a pair of calves given to me of which I was very proud, as all boys usually are of their steers. When they were two years old, a horn on one of them became badly loppeil, causeil by an injury. As they were perfect while younger, 1 was very anxious to straighten it, as they were twins and very tine, and my method was, and is, as follows : Scrape, or shave the horn on the same side you wish to turn it, nearly or quite to tlic quick. I remember in that instance I started the blood. Repeat the operation some t\\()f)r three times if necessary, to be govcrncil by the severity of the case, and scrape the horn on the opposite side just enough to give it a healthy growth. The philosophy of it is that by weakcniiii: the side in the direction you wish to move the born, and by facilitatine growth on the opiKisitc side, the result, from natural causes, will be sure — that the strong will overcome the weak. The born in question was raised a little higher than the original, but not enough to be noticeable. I believe this mode of operating to be correct, and the remedy infullihle, as I have had occasion to see demonstrated many times since. ^ Good Stock. Experience has taught me never to raise a calf, no matter how good the dame, unless sired by a thoroughbred. Here is the whole secret of successful breeding in a nutshell. A calf sired by a hull of good milking stock, but no particular blood, whose pedi- gree cannot be traced to sires who have transmitted their good qualities through several generations, may and often does make a good cow ; but if sired by a thoroughbred bull of good milking stock, the chances of failure are reduced to a very low rate, and can only be further reduced by using a thorougbhred cow of the same stock. Thoroughbred stock seldom, if ever, fail to perpetuate their own qualities, and common stock often do it ; but in the latter case it is only chance work, and yet we know there are those who still continue to rjiise calves of common stock, when at an increased expense of less than live dollars per animal they might have had good milking ances- tors on at least one side. The dairyman who expects to build up a first-class dairy by raising the cows can hardly make a better investment than in a male from a noted milking stock ; the expense, when it is divided among the product, makes a very small amount to each one, but the aggregate result is large. ^^ — Give Us a Breed of Walking Horses. What use are fast horses to farmers ? Can they put them to work in the plow, harrow, cultivator, roller, reaping-machine, cart or wacon ? No. A storm might arise and the whole crop of hay be ruined, if they had to depend on 2:40 horses to liaul it in. There is but one use that we can see that a farmer might put them to — sendng for a doctor; but as farmers have very little occasion for this professional gentleman, and never get very sick, a slower and surer horse will answer better. Why then parade these horses at the head of the lists at agricultural fairs, and give them the biggest premiums '. No wonder our practical farmers complain of this, while there is no premium at all for ii'idldii;/ horses, which area thousand times more useful— we mean to the farmer and for general agricultural and industrial purposes. Thoroughbred horses have their uses, and we do not desire to utter a word ag.ainst them, but many good words in their favor. They, how- ever, must fill their own places and work-horses theirs ; and neither should be advocated to the ex- clusion of the other. Both should be recognized according to their value. A Horse's Petition to His Master. Going up hill, whip me not. Going down hill, hurry me not. On level road, spare me not. Loose in stable, forget me not. Of hay and corn, rob me not. Of clean water, stint me not. Of soft dry bed, deprive me not. Tired or hot, wash me not. If sick or cold, chill me not. With sponge and brush, neglect me not. Wilh bit and rein. Oh ! jerk me not. And when you are angry, sl>-ik-< me not. The Vermont Wool Growers' Association has pur- chased from the flocks of Messrs. 8. G. Ilolyoke and Sanford, and Edward Bringham of St. Albans, two fine specimens of Vermont sheep, to ha presented to the Wool Growers' Association, at New .South Wales, through their representatives then attendant at the Centennial. Colin Cameron, manager of the Elizabeth Stock Farms, owned by G. Dawson Coleman, Bricker- ville, Lancaster county, Pa., shipped, on Wednesd.ay, February Gth, to J. B. Binerham, Millersburg, Ohio, a young" heifer and her calf; also a young heifer, about six months old, of the celebrated Jersey stock. In-Breeding of Poultry, Breeders are prone to advance ultra viewi on the subject of in-breeding of poultry, based on mere prcjutliee or constrained opinion oi' the term. All of our strains of purebred poultry, wilh but few ex- ceptions, liave been produced by a systematic course of in-breeding judiciously carried out. Bakewcll,of Leicester shee[> fame, Intensified and improved his sheep by an intelligent iti-breeding of su<'h animals as possessed, in an eminent degree, the iiualities he wished to Intensify and perpetuate. In liorse i)reed- ing this Is carried on by old breeders, with most ex- cellent results. Knowing the above, it behooves us to know just when to bring the dividing lines together so as to combine those qualities in the ollspring from the ani- mals or birds coupled which we desire to secure a permanency lor. 'iVe hold to the opinion that with I'owIk more care is necessary to prevent the intensifi- cation of bad qualilles in adoptinir any system of in- breeding than with most of the animals which require more than a yi'ar to give them age enough to properly bear ofl'spring. We Ijelicve that an infusion of new blood to be a good thing to do every second year — pcrhti/m every year — though we would advise fanciers to select male birds from the Kuine xlrain, so as to tnake breeding for particular points far more certain than it would be if a male bird was selected from anv, or no particular strain, nicrely because he was line individually. — American Poultry Jiccord. Fowl Feeding in Cold Weather. At this season of the year, when your fowls are mostly eonfiuM within their houses^-or when, at the liest, ihey are not able to obtain ninch nourishment upon the open ijround, if at litierty — it must be borne in mind that they need an extra quantity of ordinary food, to keep them in good heart. And if the quality he improved as well, during the sharp cold weather, it will be better still. We counsel the distributing of good, sound grain and corn, at all times, to domestic poultry, as the best method of feeding. But if, at any season, they need this sort of provision, it is in the keenly cold weather of January and February, when it counts most towards their welfare and thrift. Let your adult fowls and the growing stock both be supplied then at this season wilh all they will eat up clean, twice a day — that is, at noon and evening — of whole wheat, cracked corn, and oats or barley. A little buckwheat, and a little admixture of sunflower seeds, are excellent also. The first meal (in the morning) should be fed warm, of scalded cornmcal mixed wiih boiled vegetables. This, with the grain at noon and at niglit, and an occasional feed of ground scraps and green stidf, as cabbages cut up, or onions and turnips cliopped fine, will, as a rule, keep your birds in first-rate condition, continuously. — American Poultry Yard. How to Manage, The Butter, Cheese and Kgnii*d imtiBpeusabU' as ii Tenic mediciuo. It cohIh Imi little, piiritifH the blooil rtu0 per week in your own town. You need not be away from home over night. You can giveyonr whole time to the work, or only your spare momenta. It ■costs nothing to try the business. Terms and $5 Outfit free. Address at once, H. Hallett k Co., Portland, Maine. ft-;i-lv ONE OF A THOUSAND. I have cured myself with roots, barks ;ind herl)s, after suffering ten years with Liver Complaint, Costiveness and Piles, Weak Lungs aud Partial Loss of Left Side. I am a witness to God's mercy. Aged j^eople and delicate women suffering with Indigestion will lind this remedy invaluable. I have also one of the best Cough Remedies known, $1 per bottle; the other remedy SI per box, or both for $1.50, Post paid Circular and advice free for stamp. WM. WESTNEY, lO-l-lm* Springfield, Vt. Half Dozen for - - - $6.00! SHIRT FRONTS, Linen and l^iiper 4'ollarN aiirl ('iiITn SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER AT E. J. EEISIL^IT'S, No. llO North Queen Street, Second door from Shober's Hotel. NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING. A book containing a list of towns in the U. S,. having 6,000 pop., and the newspaper having largest crculation. All the Religious. Agricultural, Scientific, and other special class journals. Tables of rates, showing cost of advertis- ing and everything which an advertiser would like to know. Mailed OD receipt of ten cents. Addreas GEO. P. ROWELL A €0., 10 Spruc«-8t., N. Y., (oppoBite "Tribune" building). 9-10-6m s FXT I"lli;i-; on iii.i.li.-iitimi-ltUIGdS & HKO/S KlowtT aiiil N't-KM-tublc ('jituloKUf. Our lurgo cropH fli- iihW UH to SiCI.I, KI'.IOIIS l,4»W. uc)(Uie8Ti:k, n. y., or c:iii(:a(10., ii.i.h. in-2-iMii TRAVIS' WHEAT HOE ! ^i&.- Prize Medal aud Diploma awarded at the Centennial, and Dipiouni from the Kranklin institute. Premiums from every State and county where exhibited. Hues Wheat. Peas, Beans and Corn, and Corn when dril ed in for Dairy pur- poses. Will hoe one acre of wheat per hour, and every acre hoed will add 5 to lu bushels per acre more for being hoed, and thereby fully double tae not i)rotits, as has been proven by th» best practical i*nd model farmers. Has been lately improved for strength aud convenience. Teeth all adjustable to any space, drill Or belts desired, and frame of hoe Ijeing pivoted to the draft-i)ole, aud Literal molion can be held by the use of the lever handles to any desired place with great nicety by the attendant. Can be attached to any two-wheeled vehicle, or drill, by removing hoes and pivoting to the draft-pDle, Price ou board track for attachment, $i0; do.. No. 2. much better, $3.5. No. 1, jkt- fect, with wheels, $G0. Liberal discount to the Ira'Ie. Everything warranted sound, and one day's trial In the field, and if not satisfactory, can be returned. Agents Wanted. Send stamp for descriittive circulars, containing practical trial and results. Send orders early, that they may be made and reach dettinatiou in time for spring use. Address, 1 0-2-1 m] A. B. TRAVIS, Manufacturer, Brnnilon. Oaklnticl oo.. Mich. SEED CORN.— ETer7f»nn«tM(id poa Ul I'ur Fii-T" klwut tliifl t-'otTt ; lit pri'm. nii>Ti8ft< «l>>arto. lO.OOO ll'orjsand Meanings not in other Dictionaries. More than :{0,04I0 copies have boen placed it) the public schools of the United States. Recommended by Slate Superintendents of Schools in 34 different States. Contains 3.000 Illustrations, nearly three times as many as any other Dictionary. The sale of Webster's Diction.iries is 20 times as great .is the sale of any other scries of Dictionaries. " Indispensable to every student of the English language." — M. R. Waite, Chief Justice United States. August 4. j^-j-j. The DictioTiary used in the Government Printing Office is Webster's Unabridged. Published by U.AV. JIEItKI AM. Springfield, Mass. I>er 1,000 aud uinvards. for Scedliugs of Shade and Timber Trees. A MllrplllN of ytniut; tratip- I'lanted KVKK. /•..i,/i '/M.^..!. iiKi .K»:i,K4"rFi» VA- Klli'l'lIJS. tlrftit Aiif riciiii .Slrtiifhei rirt*. I-ur(.'eMt iindbi'Hl. llerrii-M y oz i-ai-h, t) in. iiioutnl. Itv mull lO for Kl : KIO for 8^ : I.OOO for HIO. Hiluuti Allmuy, f'htln. Itiiwnliil/f Mnliarch uf tin- Wrst , Kfntlirltff, llrvru /■/•..fi/Zc. »»a I'lr I.UOO : < apl. .Itirlc, Ciiinher- liiutl 'I'riiniifi/if tStertiiiff, cutttlu, t^Si j.er l.UOO. .Vl.l. I'l'ltK. e:aluloKUe Irie. Cut thin out. JOIIX S. <'<>■, I.IXN, lO-2-3m] ^^•or'■sI'l^^ n, New.Iersoy. 1760. ESTABLISHED 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO., 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE, BUILDING HARDWARE, PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS, TEEEA com, lEONaM LEAD PIPE, LEATHER BELTING, SEEDS, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. A^entN for tli« " Ohio " Reaper and Mower, Whann's Phosphate, Pairbank's Scales, Dupont's Powder, Harrisburg Nails, &c., &c. Wc bare tbo largeRt stock of general Hsrdwsre in the State, and our iiricee are as low and terms ae liberal as oaa be found elefwbere. 9-1-tf. SOlVXETHIlNrGl- T«Ji:'\7Cr. THE SMOKER'S PET. Good Live .^gents Wanted Everywhere, Novelty Di alers and the Trade sup- plied at reduced rates. Address all orders to tbe sole manufacturers, C. B. THOMPSON, Urlort, Coiiiio«-li«'iH. HIE SOlllBCIiSeillMi (111.111 1'll'E The merits of this invent iou are at once apiireciated by evcrv Smoker; as by using this article (ivhich is as light aud portable as a cigar) all smokers can use the best tobacco at less than one-leiilh the cxiiense of a i>oor cigar, dispens- ing entirely with the cumbrous aud unsightly pipes. DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Remove the mouth piece and piston, fill the tube half ful of smokine tobacco, insert the piston and mouth piece, and light as you would an ordinary cigar. Sample by mail, 30 eeuts. By Mall $1.50 Per Doz. By Express $12.00 Per GrosB. DIBECTIONS FOR CLEANING. Clean the Interior Parts with a damp Rag when they become foul. 10-a-4m IV. THE LANCASTR FARMER. [February, 1878. My Annual Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seed for 1878, rich iu eiigraviiiRS. will be Bent FRi-L, to all who aiirly. Customers ol liint season need uot write torit. I offer one of the largest collections of vegetable seed ever sent out by any seed house iu America, a large iiortiou of which were grown on my six seed farms. Printed (iirec(!o?w for ctUtimfinn n» i-m-h packime. All seeds 'Mirmnted to be freKh and true to numr; so far, that should it iircive other- wise / will rem the order gratis. New Vegetables a specialty. As the original introducer of the Hubbard Squash, Phinney's Melon, Marblehead Cabbages, Mexican Corn, I offer several new vegetables this seaeoD, and invite the patronage of a// luho are anxious to have their seed di- rectly/rom the grower ,/resk , true, and oj the very best strain. 9-12 4ml JAMES J. H. GREGOKy, Marblehead, Mass. PREMIUM TOBACCO SEED. Henry Kurtz's Centennial and Hart ford Tobacco Seeds can be obtained by addressing the proprietor at Mount Joy, Pa., or the ed'itor of The Faemer, No. 101 Worth Queen street. Lancaster, Pa. Hrice, 81.00 per package. The leaf of these Tobaccos were awarded a premium at the Centennial Exposition in 1876. "OUT OF "WOB-K." SONG AND CHORUS, BY ALICE HA-WTHORITE. Anthor of " Listen to the MockinK Bird," '* I'll sail the aeas •Ter,'' " What is Home without a Mother," etc., etc, " Out of work, without a penny, Pleading hel before thy door, Without frieuds among the many — Look with pity on the poor." • , * One of the most touching and beautlfal ballads ever written, will give the author a more extended popularity than anything she has ever written. Price 35 cents — or, illustrated title page 40 cents. For Bale at all music srores. or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers. J. M. STODDART & CO., 9-9 723 Chestnut Street, Phihidelphia. ESTABLISHED 1832. a. sejser & SONS, Mauufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and finished I.XJIVXBE:Ft, The best Sawed Slll^i-I.E.S iu the country. Also Sash, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c. PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any other. Also best I'OAI^ constantly ou band. OFFICE AND YARD : Northeast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts,, 1823. SEND FOR 1878. THE NEW YORK OBSERVER The Best Religious and Secular Family News- paper. $3,153 Year, post-paid. Established 1823. 37 PARK ROW, NEW YORK. SAMPLE COPI£S FREE. j).10-6m BEITSOXT, BXTHFlii: &. CD'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE FOR 1878, Pontains full lists withjjescriptions, illustratiofis and prices of ^^ # THE srx^6\ ?ar!)en, ^iflfcjp' AND FL.(VW^£|{, ISf DS, (all the standard variefies^n^ ma;iy*lroice novelties), Summer and Autumn Bulbs plants, Small Fruits, Trees, Agricultural Implements, and piooded Live Hiock- and Fancy Poultry. Srnd >our n4U]l^ss ou a I'ONtul I'av^^'Afid re- ooive a oopy by I'eturn nfnil. 10 package Choice Flower Seeds for 25 *»entB. •* ^ O u r ^ iSl cjve I tl^ s". TOAU. ofP" CHURCH St PH4LADELPHIA Pa We call e'. CORN, ai in" down. •alatten*= .to . ar CALIFORNIA BROOlfl "ergreei* *atiety which does not require bend- B. B. & COS SURE HEAD CABBAGE, i^^!^"'' BAT TIEW HTBRID K CI.OK sfid the new Tomato— Ked Cblef. t:^"8end for Catalogue to BEITSON, BUHFEE & 0 0., Seed Warehouse , 223 Clmrcli St. j'FhileAtet^^a* _^ ^___^ ______^ , ™ 4 • V. 3UR NEW-YEAR'S CIF A $6.00 NEW-YEAR'S GIFT oin-Siiver Tableware TO ETERY SUBSCRIBER OF THIS PAPER, Given Away! An Elee-ant EXTRA *<»fl\-SBrVER PI^ATEO SET 5' SIX TKA-SPOONS tbat Retails at 84.50 per Siet. and :»i» Elt's:"«»t EXTR.V ^OBN-.SH^VER PI^ATEO BrTTEK-KMFE tliat Retails at S1.30: Thus makinK both the Sol of Tea-spoons and the Biitttr-knire a valuable and use- ful New- Year's 4jiift to every subscriber of this paper, and a Ciift that all should accept We have made arrangements with the old established and reliable EAOLE OOI.D ANI> SILVER PIjATINW C<>.. Cincinnati. O., to supply every subscriber of this paper with Ibis valuable Silver Tableware as a New-Year'.s Gift. This elegant Set of Tea-spoons and Rutter-knife are of the latest style pattern, and each article is ln laiun colored platf, ;>lif) about ]aO [lagos, a[id fu prices aud direcliuus f.r ilauiiug over 1*00 varieties of Vegetable .and Klowur Seeds. Plaats. Roses, KW. Invaluable to all. Sei.d ri>r it. Address D. M. F£EaY & CO., Detroit, Mich. 10-2^m] AND Thoroughbred Short-Horn Cattle; Bred and For Sale by the undersigned. OF THE BEST MILKING STRAINS, and at prices to suit the times. Herd open to iiepection by strangers at all times (Sundays excepted.) I will be pleased, to show my herd to visitors, aud any information in regard to the cattle will cheerfully be given, by letter, as desired. 10-2-1 y] A. M. RANK, Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster co.. Fa. Q "V^o Y* ^"^^ Rubecribere O- ^ Kiidl ^ tho couuty. SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS To RUbflcribern out of ) ct 1 Q C3 tUo county. f 4>l.rnaiiieiitiil TreeNairKlirubN, deciduous & evergreen KoHi'S a specialty — all the huest sorts. Ureeii A Mint lloiiHe I'lants.includingbest Novelties Descriptive and Illustrated priced Catalogues sent pre- paid to customers, l'ri*t»; to othei's, on receipt of stamps, as follows : No. I. Fruits, with colored pl:ite, I5e.; plain, lOo. No. 2. Oraraeutal Trees, colored plate, 23e.: plain, 15c. No. 3. Greenhouse, Freo. No. 4. Wholesale, Free. No. 5. Rose Catalogue for 1S78, Frre, t2'~ Small parcels forwarded by mail when desired. Address, ELLWANGER & BARRY. Rochester, N. Y. 10-J.3m] !50]VEZ3i'xzx3Nr<3- 3xn:"\;^. THE SMOKER'S PET. Good Live Agents Wanted Everywhere, Novelty Dealers and the Trade sup- plied at reduced rates. Address all orders to the sole manufacturers, C. B. THOMPSOI^ Bridg^eport, < oniioi'tiout. The merits of this invention are at once appreciated by every Smoker; as by using this article (tvhich is us liRht and portable as a cigar) all smokers can use the best tobacco at less thau one-tenth the expense of a poor cigar, diepeue- ing entirely with the cumbrous and unsightly pipes. DIEEL'TIONS FOR USE. Remove the mouth piece and piston, till the tube half ful of smokine tobacco, insert the piston and mouth piece, and liKht as you would an ordinary cigar. Samijle by mail, 30 cents. By Mall $1.50 Per Doz. By Express $12.00 Per Gross. DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING. Clean the Interior Parts with ;i damp Rag when they become foul. 10-2-lm THE THREE POTATOES. E.4RI.Y OHIO.— Earlier than Early Rose. Ranked by general consent, in earlinese, yield and quality combined at the head of all the early potatoes. mjRBAXK.— Medium late; a prodigious cropper; flesh remarkably white ; quality excellent. OUXmORK.— A splendid late sort. A greater cropper than the Peerless, which it resembles in form, while far better in quality. Each, per Barrel, $4.00; per Bushel, $2.00; per Peck, 75 cents. My Illustrated Seed Catalogue FBERto all applicants. JAMES J H. GREfcJORT, 10-3-2m] aiarblebead, Masfl, TREES! TREES!! TREES I! I Smoketown Nursery, tNmoketown, fjancnnter <'o.. Pa. (Bird-in-Hand, 1". O.) Buy trees grown Id this county, and suited to this soil and climate. A flue stock of APPI.E, PEACH, PEAR, t'llERRT, PI.m. APKM or, SrUAR MAPLE, Silver Blaple, Norway .Maple, GKEEN TREES of every deBcrii>tion. ORAPE VINE and SMALL FUUIT.S of all kinds. A large lot of YELLOW LOCUST. SMOKFTOWX NVRKERY is situated on the ol. Philadeliiliia Road, five miles east of LanciBler and on^ mile wfst of Bird-in-Hand. Trees may be obtained at the nursery, or at tho tree wagon iu Centre Square, on Market Mornings (Wednesday and Saturday), Orders by mail promptly attended to and trees delivered in Lancaster, free of charge. LOUIS C. llird-lli-Uaiid P. O., LYTE, Lancaster co., THE LATEST INVENTION. THE VICTOR NUTMEG GRATER, A Domestic Jewel that will last a life-time. NEEDS NO REFERENCES. Does a way with the Inconveniences connected with other Qraters. ^j Its construction comiiends itself to the public, and all the leading Kitchen Furnishing Houses speak of it in the highest terms. IT IS IX FA<'T THE Most Simple, Most Dur^ible, and Most Re- liable invention ever offered to the public. PRICE 25 CENTS. Directions— Take the grater in (he left hand, palm towards you, with your third lluger through the handle ]>lace the thumb on the spring-lever, remove the feeder and insert the uut. Price to Agents $1.75 Per Dozen. GooU I^jvc Ai^entN Wnntoil Everywbere. All orders should be addressed to M;triuf;iptnrer'8 Sole Ayent, Also Dealer & Maiif'r. of Patent No?eltles, &c. BRIDGEWATKR CONN. II. THE LANCASTER FARMER. PEXNSYI.VANIA RAILROAD Trains leave the Depot in this city, Leave WESTWARD. Pacific Express" Way Passengert Niagara Exjirees Col. Accommodation Mmil train via Mt. Joy No. 2 via Columbia Sunday Mail Fast Line* Frederick Accommodation. H:irrsburg Accom Columbia Accommodation,. Harrisburg Express Pittsburg Express Cincinnati Express* Philadelphia Expresst. Harrisburg Express Columbia Accoramodation.. Pacific Express*. Sunday Mail Johnstown Express Day Express" Harrisburg Accom Lancaster. 2:40 a. m. 4:50 a. m. 9.35 a. m. 7:'20 p. m. 11:20 a. m. 11:20 a. m. 11:20 a. m. 2:10 p. m. 2:15 p. m. 6:00 p. m. 7:20 p. m. 7:25 p. m. 9:25 p. m. 11:30 p. m. EASTWARD. Lancaster. Atlantic Express' 12:30 a. m. ~ 4:10 a. m. 7:35 a. m. 9.28 p. m. 1:20 p. m. 2:00 p. m. 3:05 p. m. 5:1 S !>. ni. 5:50 p. m. SCHEBUIiE. as follows : Arrive Harrisburg. 4:05 a. m. 7:50 a. m. 10:40 a. m. Col. 8:00 p. m. 1:00 p. m. 1:25 p. m. 1:80 p. m. 3:25 p. m. Col. 2:45 p. m. 8:10 p. m. Col. S:00 p. m, 8:40 p. m. 10:50 p. m. 12:45 a. m. Philadelphia, 3:00 a. m. T:00 a. m. 10:00 a. m. 12:30 p. m. 3:45 p. m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p. m. 7:20 p.m. 9:00 p. m. The Hnuover Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster •with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a. m., and will run through to Hanover. The Frederick Accommodation, west, connectaat Lancas- ter ^\nth Fast Lino, west, at 2:10 p. m.. and runs to Frederick. The Pacific Express, east, ou Sunday, when flagged, will stop at Middletown, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Landis- Tille, •The only trains which run daily. tRunB daily, except Monday. TO AGENTS. The Century CI art. A 100-year Almanac, whereby you cau ascertain what day of the week any day of the month is or what day of the month any day of the week is, was, or will be, from 1799 to 1900, or in what day any event has taken place, from 1799 . to 1900, and 1000 other occurrences. The greatest in- * S vention of man. Every person will buy one; also the ft ^ great Egyptian Puzzle. Sport for>ll. Either article 2 e sent on receipt of 25c. poet paid, or $1 per dozen. .* ^ Agents wanted everywhere. Ladies and Gents secure your town at once. You can make $20 per week. Send for sample, ROOSS BRO'S, Sovdty D-alers. 9-12-6m] 100 and 102 Washington St., CHICAGO, III. P U I- M O N A is beyond comparison the beet remedy for the cure of CON- SUMPTION (EVEN IN ITS MOST ADVANCED STAGES),,! .S^/ima, BTonchita-%. Catarrh, and all derangements of the NERV- OUS SYSTEM. A circular containing particulars of MANT CABER 6UCCES8FULLT TREATED, fuU advise fof the treatment of the diseaseB above mentioned, and certificates of actual cures, will be sent free by mail to all applicants. Address OSCAR G. MOSES, Sole Proprietor, 18 Cortiaudt Street, New York. 9.10-6m M. HABERBUSH, MANOFACTUREB OF Plain and Fine Harness, COLLARS, ■WHIPS, FLY NETS, &c., ALSO DEALER IN TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS, BUFALO ROBES, Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, G-loves, Sec, No. 30 Penn Square, 9-1-ly LANCASTER, PA. &:e3:xflts> 1 Half Dozen for $6.00! SHIRT FRONTS, XerHl ca*«fi aon't fail to write for Illus- trated and Descriptive Catalogue— mailed free. 1IENDEL3S0HN PIANO CO., 9-T-1y Xo. 56 Broadway, M. T. '^ UuqueMtiOBiably the beNt sustained irork ot tbe kiud iu tbe World." 1t^^ ILLUSTRATED. yotices of ike Prem. 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A Complete Analytical Index to the first Fifty "Volumes of Harper's Magazine has been published, rendering availa- ble for reference the vast and varied wealth of information which constitutes this periodical a perfect illustrated liters^ ry cyclopedia. 8vo, Cloth, $2 00; Half Calf, $5 25. Sent postage prepaid. Subscriptions received for Harper's Periodicals only. Newspapers are not to copy this advertisement without the express orders of Harper & Brothers, Address HARPER & BROTHKRH. New York. NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING. A book containing a list of towns in the U. S,, having 5 000 pop., and the newspaper having largest circnlation. All the Religious, Agricultural, Scientific, and other special class journals. Tables of rates, showing cost of advertii- ing and everything which an advertiser would like to know. Mailed on receipt of ten cents. Address GEO. P. ROWEEE A €0., 10 Spruc^-Bt., N. Y., (opposite "Tribune" building). »-10-6m The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., MARCH, d878. Vol. Z. No. 3. CLUBBING. AVc ofler The Fakmer, elubbod with other first-class publications, at the followiiiji [irices : I'hrmolofjical Jouniiil and Faumer - S^! Oil, $2..50 Harper's Monthly and Farmeu - - - .').(H), Harper's. Weekly and Farmer - - - .^.00, Harper's Bazar and Farmer - - - - .5.00, i/ei-aido///eB>n ■gig£B3 M m H c c £ s! £ " c; ro p* o < ^.° 2- g ^ ^ ^ Eg ■ 2 0 2 9oS. • o «- B-2 fspJJ JZ^JT" C CQ - CO 'V CD w '»-*., P" .: 1-0 -o c p- S ^ '■ P P -CD C ® : i-d t c^ - - f; m K E 2 V O T ^ ' M - ^ n -1 p J.L; D ri Id OD ■/ r rr n tr 1" ^ W ^W i- o c p- ^ fr o ; S 'Dm? -► O CO '2 ►„'=■ > J*.CO*.*.*.tf^CSO' tf..-! Moisture. .-t *0S t-. ^ bS O Sol. & Peeoip. Pegs. Acid. .■wcscocoow*.oiw oitc to Ol o Insoluble Phos. Acid. ooMOooeooo Potash. - W .-* CO tO»- Ammonia. Commeecial Value. REPORT OF FRUIT COMMITTEE. The committee appomted at the last meet- ing of the Lancaster Agricultural and Horti- cultural Society to report on the best varieties of fruit to plant in this section, would state that owing to the great variety of soil and climate, combined with the large numljer of valuable kinds of fruit under cultivation, they found the taskj'ather a difticuU one, especially in regard to apples. Of this fruit they would recommend planters to select such varieties as are known to do well in their respective local- ities, and not to plant too many kinds except for experiment. To those who have com- mitted the error of planting northern varie- ties, which have turned out to be fall apples in tills section, we would say, take them up and replace them with such as are better adapted to their locality and soil. The fol- lowing list has proven of merit : Summer Apples. All Summer, Early Harvest, and Duchess of Oldenburg. Autumn Apples. Maiden's Blush, Fall Pippin, Mellinger, Benoui, Smokehouse, Rambo, Pound, Penn- sylvania Eedstreak, and Early Winter. Winter Apples. Smith's Cider, York Imperial, Romanite, Ewalt, Dommie, Rome Beauty, and Winesap. Pears. Bartlett, Seckel, Lawrence, Howell, Man- ning's Elizabeth, and Sheldon. Peaches. Moimtain Rose, Early Crawford, Late Craw- ford, Smock's Late, Sulway, Stump the World, Mixon Free, and Reeves Favorite. Grapes. Concord, Martha, and Telegraph. Strawberries. Charles Downing, Wilson's Albany, and Boyden No. 30. Raspberries. Branchwine, Philadelphia, Drobittle, and Black Cap. Blackberries. Kittatinny, Lawton, and Wilson. There are other varieties of fruits that are not generally known, some of which may be equally as valuable as those above named, but should be further tested before they are recom- mended for general cultivation. M. D. Kendig, H. M. Engle, L. S. Reist. Lancaster, March 4, 1878. QUERY AND ANSWER. Mr. D. S., Lancaster, Fa.' — The pear branch you sent us, "scored and grooved in various directions," was no doubt infested by the larva of a small "Tyiiographer beetle," (Scol- ytus piyri) although we were not able to find any of the "worms" in it. There are a num- ber of these little insects that injure various kinds of trees, sometimes called "Blight bee- tles." They are about an eighth of an inch long and of a black or brown color. The only way to destroy them is to cut off the infested branches and burn them. The ex- ternal appearance of the branch will generally show where they are located. Mr. S. S. S., Lancaster, Pa. — The small- winged insects so numerously issuing from the window frames and other wood work about No. 2 cotton mill, are "American Ter- mites," [Termes frontalis) and represent the Termites, or "White Ants" of Asia and Africa. They are wood-boring insects, only coming forth during their nuptial or swarm- ing season, once a year. We have never observed them heretofore so early in the sea- son as the 8th day of March. We have noticed them issuing from several old buildings in North Queen street, between Lemon and James streets, but, there they usually appear in "swallow time," about the end of April or first of May, and we have noticed these for twenty-five years in succession. People some- times confound them with small species of "Pearl-flies," {Perla) otherwise called "Shad- flies," but this is quite a mistake, for the larvce. of the Pearl-flies live in the water, whilst these excavate the wood-work of houses, and especially old houses. The remedy is to cap- ture them as they come forth in the spring, and tlien to paint or whitewash the places from which they came. See the history of Termites, of Asia and Africa, where they de- structively abound. ^ VINEGAR FROM SUGAR BEETS. One bushel of sugar beets properly rasped and pressed, will yield five gallons of juice, which, treated the same as cider is, will make a stronger vinegar, of as good but diflerent flavor, and in making cider, nine bushels of apples and one of sugar beets will make a cider superior to apples alone. Eveiy farmer can raise sugar beets, and with the juice ex- pressed at the cider mill, make all the vinegar he wants for his own use and have a surplus for sale. Witli vinegar at a price it could be made for from beets, its consumption would be increased, as it would enter into many articles of manufacture from which the price now precludes it. When it is found how cheap sugar beets can be raised, and their value for vinegar as well as food for stock, tliey will be grown more. The best juice can also be worked into sugar as easily as maple sugar now is, and requires no more skill. — Andrew H. Ward, Bridgewater, 3Iass. A LARGE HORSE-RADDISH. Mr. Wilson Bard, of Oregon, Manheim twp., Lancaster county, has cultivated on his premises a horse-raddish, with three branch- ing tap-roots, 3 feet 10 inches in length, 21 inches in diameter, and weighing about 10 pounds. If anybody in or out of the county can beat that let them say so. 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 37 BROWN LEGHORNS. ■Winners of highest Ccntenninl mcdiil. Bred by Benson & Burpee, Pliihuleliihia. Ur;iwn from life, immediately after the close of the Centennial. Brown I,eghorns. although only recently brought prominently before the public, have attained a popularity excelled by no other variety. They are well deserving of all that can be said in their favor ; in beauty of jilumage and form they an; equaled by none ; in economical merits they have no superior. They are not so widely known or so common as the white variety, and are much more dillicult to breed true to feather. In breeding no variety, is the adage "blood will tell," better illustrated. These fowls have large, solid white ear-lobes, correct combs and bright yellow legs, united with symmetry and elegance of form. The i)ullets are most delicately, marked with beautiful ma- roon breasts of that deep rich shade so highly esteemed and so ditficultto attain. Cockerels have solid black breasts, and resemble the black-red game in plumage. The stock of the above named firm has been bred with the greatest care, and is admitted to be very superior. Pedigree. Bred in 1875, from two flocks, headed by "All Right" and "Philadelphia First." "All Right" figured 91 points as a cockerel, at Hartford, January, 1875; pullet "Ilart-^^ ford Best," figured 93 points ^they were the best pair on Jig: exhibition. " Philadelphia ^g^ First," with mates, won the S first premium at the Fancier's = Show, and first prize and " special for best pen of Leg- horus of any variety, at the Pennsylvania State Show, in 1874 and 1875. "All Right" is deceased, but in his stead is a cock that will figure sev- eral points ahead of him. A young cockerel of this brood has been sold by Mr. Burpee as high as $40. fillers, if saved at all. We may estimate the number of wrapper leaves on a stalk to bo nine, and that on an average, one on each stock gets broken, the loss would etpial the ninth part of the quantity of wrajjpers pro- duced. This may surprise some. This esti- mate, however, is not immoderate. ]5ut the breaking of leaves is not unfre- quently the most .serious injury which the tobacco receives on the field after it is cut oil. Tobacco when cut and allowed to be on the field for thirty minutes exposed to the hot sun will be badly burned. A leaf so damaged is useless for any purpose excepting to put on the manure pile. The spots on the leopard are not more firmly fixed than the (/reen brittle blotches caused by sun-burn. Should a tobacco merchant see sun-burnt leaves in a crop he purchased, he will have them pulled out as cleaidy as any one would imll out of his gar- den poisonous weeds should he see any growing. A custom also prevails, in a portion of this county, which is most, iiernicious. I refer to the hanging up of tobacco on the field and allowing it to hang there for an indefinite TOBACCO FARMING. "Preparing tobacco for market," may properly be said te commence with cut- ting it off. When Should it Be Cut? Tobacco should be cut, when, by doubling the leaf under, it breaks. Before it is ripe, a leaf will not break, neither by doub- ling it under or over. Tobacco should not be allowed to stand till it is overly ripe. When the color of the leaf assumes the .shade of the olive, or when it will break as above stated, it should be cut ; then it will cure on the pole to a delicate tea color, be firm and elastic and be all the manufacturer could desire. Some farmers are under the impression that a crop gets heavier by not cutting it till the leaves have turned quite yellowish and thick. This impression is correct. But such over-ripe tobacco will cin-e yellow — it will have lost its native elasticity and will be very brittle. AVill the gain of perhaps 5 per cent, of weight not be more than neutralized by an inevitable loss of from 40 to 50 per cent, of original value ? Is it not more profitable to sell 1,800 1 bs. of leaf at 10 cents, than 2,000 lbs. at 7 cents, or even for less. How Should it Be Handled When Cut? With all possible care. Persons without much experience in tobacco farming have no idea of the tenderness of the plant and the injury it is liable to sustain if not carefully and properly handled. Leaves will break from the weight of the stalk if not carefully weather. Thus expo.sed the sun broils it — the rains wash off the gum from the leaves — it becomes brash — a fit condition for the storm winds when they smrji through it, to tear and break up completely. A cvop so treated will not be bought, since its true character has become known to the trade, excepting at a very low price for export to use for a low grade of smoking tobacco. It may be hung up in the field to wilt, but should he boused before it rains on it. Housing Tobacco is the next thing in order. To cure well on the jiole, the shed or barn should be well venti- lated; with convenience tocloseu]) during pro- tracted spells of dani|) weather until thoroughly aged. Tobacco so damasrcd is known as pole or shed-burnt. In years when the sea- son of growing is most favorable — when the croiis are large and fine — in those years' crojjs is found to be the largest quantity of shed burnt tobacco. A building 24 by 24 feet, 17 feet high with comb roof will accommodate the ])roducts of an acre, sujiposing that it was planted the proper distance apart, viz : '.\k feet one way by 2i feet the other way. What farmers, in this age and this country, would laid down when cut off ; and a leaf broken at ] think of growing a crop of corn witiiout ]>ro- this stage, no matter how large and fine, if i vidiug jiroper and sullicient room to house it ? not lost before it is housed, must go to the | Yet, tobacco may be seen hanging up, not in sheds or barns iiiei)ar(d for that purpose, but above ben-ruosts and wagon sheds and on garrets, the most inconvenient and unsuitable places; where, to hang it, it gels torn— and to take it down, it gets more torn. Is it not as necessary, and will the investment not i>ay as well, to erect i)roper and convenient build- ings to house tobacco as any other crop. However, this shiftless way of housing tobacco in this county is not the rule but the excep- tion. Many have erected suitable buildings with all the conveniences to house their croi)s; and it is a pleasure to the buyer when he comes along to look at the crops so provided for. Stripping Tobacco should never be done before the sap has dried out of the stems thoroughly— when thoy will break like glass ; then as soon as tiie leaves, together with the stems, have got soft and pliable again from moisture of the atmos- phere, it may safely be stripped. If the crop was cut early, it will be sulficiently cured to strip by the first of .Tanuary. If the sap is not all dried out of the stems, they will rot when the tobacco is bulked down and will imimrt :i very unpleasant odor to the .soimd ',;W.3ft't'iif in the bulk. Sometimes J^when the stems have much ■ia]i when stripped, the whole liulk of tobacco will be dam- aged thereby. Assorting Tobacco pro|)erly into grades is of the' lighe.tt imjiortance. A crop, no matter how luxuriantly it grows in size and finenes.s — m matter how carefully it was handled when cut and housed — no matter how well it was cured on the pole — if it i< not projierly assorted into grades and sizes when .strip- p:'d, the farmer iiays dearly fur such carelessness. All the hanks of many a crop of dbacco after being sold are igain opened by the buyer uid re-assorted and .sized leforc he i)acks it in ca.ses. This work is attended with the expense of from one to wo cents a pound which the luyer pays to have it done. s it not reasonable, that the luyer, for his own protection, nust buy tobacco for at least wo cents tmder its intrinsic market value or he would • money? If he would not, it would only be a question of time when his capital would be sunk and he would be obliged to quit the field. How should it be assorted '? Into as many sorts as there are grades and sizes. This will make fillers, binders, and three or four sizes of wrappers. IIow is this to be done ? Erect tables, at least six feet long and three feet wide. This will accommodate a set of strippers which shoidd, for convenience sake, consist of three persons. One person to strip the leaves oft' from the stalk ; one per- son to assort them ; and one person to tie them into hanks. The strip|)er takes off all the ground leaves and places them on the table ; the assortcr will assort them into fillers and binders. Then the strijiper will take off the balance of the leaves on the stalk. Then the assorter will pick out all the worm-eaten and torn leaves, if they don't make good binders thejf must go to the filler pile ; then he will assort the balance, which are good leaves, into not less than two sizes. This is the way tliat every stalk should be strijiped and assorted. AVheu- ever there are from 18 to 20 leaves on the filler pile, the tier will tie them into a hank ; when there are from 12 to IS leaves on the binder pile, he will tie them into a hank ; and when there are from 8 to 12 leaves on a wrap- 38 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ March, per pile, he will tie them into a hank. He will bulk the filler hanks on a pile, the binders on another and several sizes of wrappers on another. Great care should be taken that the tobacco, after being stripped, does not dry out. The top of the bulk of the tobacco should be covered with boards and a few hundred pounds of i^ressure placed thereon to press it down. Under no consideration should tobacco be tied up in bundles before it is sold. When so tied up, it dries out rapidly, the loss .sometimes being as high as 5 per cent, in a month's time, and, in consequence of its loss of moisture, it can not possibly cure well. When the tobacco has been stripped, as stated, it is "prepared for market." In my first communication I stated how "tobacco seed may be Improved ;" in the foregoing I endeavored to state briefly how to "prepare tobacco for market. " Tlie subject of "grow- ing tobacco," of paramount importance, is re- served for another occasion. — I. W. 0. Wier- THE "SHORT-PALMED MOLE-CRICK- ET," OR "CALIFORNIA POTATO CRICKET." [Stenopalniata Talpa.) East Oakland, Alamedo County, California, February 9, 1S78. Prof. S. S. Rathvon, Lancastek Citt, Pa. — Dear Sir. — In your letter to the Rural Press, of No- vember 3d, you requested a few specimens of the sienopalmata talpa. I eend you five by mail with this. The large ones are nearly as fine specimens as I have seen. Presuming that you have had no oppor- tunity to study their habits, perhaps a few words may not prove uninteresting. They burrow from a few inches to three or four feet in depth, in dry soils, leaving the hole open to the surface, only coming to the top for exploration, which is generally in the evening or night time, and are rather slow travelers. When domiciled in a hill of potatoes, they are reluc- tant to change their quarters, and will sometimes tunnel completely through a large potato, at other times excavate them to the depth of an inch or more, often destroying three or four potatoes in one hill. They display the most undaunted courage in attack and defense of their kind. When one has his own grounds, he admits no intruding neighbor, unless possessed of greater strength than himself, and will defend his own to the death. Only one is ever found in one hill of potatoes. I placed one of the larger ones in a tinliox, with one a little smaller, and in a few hours, on examination, I found only a portion of the legs of the smaller one ; the large one had killed and eaten his companion. I then put two of about equal size and strength into a cup, and an immediate battle was the result ; they attacked each other with great desperation, and could only be separated by using sufJicient force to nearly tear the legs from the body. I have never had an opportunity to see an encounter with other than their own kind. They thrive best in a dry season ; sometimes by thorough ly saturating the ground they will come to the surface. I am under obligations to you for giving the informa- tion that I could not find in any work here. — Yuurs very truly, A. L. Fuller, [We are greatly obliged to our correspondent for the five specimens of the above named insect, and doubly so for his remarks on their history and habits. We had received speci- mens of these insects from near Sacrameuto, California, at least twenty years ago, but unaccompanied by a single word relating to their history or habits ; but at the same time we suspected that they might approximate, in this respect, to the liabits of our wingless "wood -cricket," (Phalawjopsis maculata) which we sometimes find in cavities, crevices, or under the loose bark of much decayed timber, under or near the surface of the ground. Altliough this California insect, from its habits of depredating upon the potato tuber is herbiverous, yet from the fact that when confined together — according to the observa- tions of Mr. Fuller — they devour each other, we may conclude that it is also carnivorous. Indeed, this characteristic attaches to many of this family of insects, if not to the wliole of them. On one particular occasion, during an unusually warm and sunny afternoon in the month of November, we discovered hun- dreds of our common field-crickets, feasting upon the lacerated body of a dead calf, which seemed to have met a violent death the pre- vious night, perhaps by vicious dogs. Wher- ever the flesh was exposed, through ruptures of the skin, the crickets were engaged in devouring it with the seeming rapacity of as many turkey-buzzards ; nor did they heed our presence any more than they would have heeded a "stock or a stone." On several subsequent occasions, we have found them under similar circumstances. This carnivor- ous character of the California species, under consideration, together with their habit of coming forth from their burrows in the evening or during the night — a characteristic common to marauding carnivora of a number of species — may suggest a plan for their de- struction, by setting traps for them, baited with some kind of fresh flesh. We have never noticed crickets devouring putrid or decomposed animal flesh, and probably they never do. The form of the trap, of course, would devolve upon the ingenuity of the trapper, or contiguous circumstances. Some insects seem to be highly endowed with the sense of smell, and an alluring bait will often draw them from a considerable distance. During one of our Tucquan fishing excur- sions to the Susquehanna river, we had pro- vided several cylindrical tin boxes of angle- worms, {lumbricus terrestris) to be used as bait. The weather being warm, these boxes were buried vertically in the sand at various places where they would be most convenient to the fishermen, and most protected against the rays of the sun. On the last day of the encamp- ment, and about an hour before the order to "strike tents," we discovered the end of one of these boxes projecting above the surface of the sand, and as it was one of the largest, and had an aperture of about an inch in diameter in the lid, for ventilation, we concluded to save it for another occasion. The remaining worms had died, and from the hole in the lid issued a strong stench. On raising it up we were surprised to find it about half full of various species of "carrion-beetles," "burying beetles," &c., including the genera necropho- rus, necrodes, oiceoptoma, thanatophilus, silpha, nitidula, phenohia, ips, stcqihilhnis, &c. , &c., a greater haul tlian we had made during the whole four days encampment. Now, this experience may suggest a similar trap for the successful capture of this pugna- cious potato-eater. Perhaps the discovery of the best kind of bait to decoy them into the trap, would be the most important considera- tion. Tlie putrid stench was the attraction in our trap, but the stenopahnata, belonging to a different order, (orthoptera) may re- quire a different bait, and by experimenting with different kinds, the right one may be eventually found. We offer these suggestions for what they are worth. — Ed.] VISITING COMMITTEE. The iradersigned, one of the visiting com- mittee appointed at a meeting of the "To- bacco Growers' Association of Lancaster county," begs leave to submit tlie following as a part of the labors of said committee, so far as relates to his own personal attention to the subject in hand. My first day's visit was at the house of Henry Shaffner, of Mount Joy. Saw a lot of tobacco which was grown on li acres of ground the second year. Fine, dark color, and mostly triple A. Florida and Connecti- cut seed, cidtivated by first scoring, and hoed in for the hill to plant on. Kows .3 feet apart ; 26 inches on the row. Favors plaster of Paris as a fertilizer. Tobacco well assorted, which we could not but expect from an intelligent tobacco grower and packer. My ne.rt visit was to C. R. Stauffer ; 2J- acres, Florida seed, second year's growth on the same ground — in an orchard — a good av- erage lot. Third visit, at the house of Jacob Shirk, Bird-in-Hand; 11 acres, mostly raised on new land. Large and leafy, fine and very fine. Cultivated by throwing two furrows together with the plow, cut down to plant in. After exhibiting his possessions, he took us to the hotel and gave us our dinner and had our ani- mals fed at his own expense, for which we kindly thanked him. Om fourth visit was at the home of Solomon Groflf; 14 acres, scored and hoed in to set the plants. Used guano, ashes and plaster in the hills. A fine lot and a very fine quality. The fifth visit was to Mr. Shank, at the Gap ; 3 acres, fair, mostly double A. Planted alter- nately 4 feet and 3 feet apart in rows, 28 inches apart on the row. Sixth visit, to Isaac Eby ; 5 acres, 4 feet apart and 28 inches on rows, crop fair. Seventh, to William Hamilton ; 3 acres, dark and leafy. Mostly A and AA, very good. Here we were treated to apples and cider. Eighth, to Squire Slay maker ; quality A. A.-, dark color, and well assorted. John Keneagy, 6 acres, mostly A. A., and dark in color. Tenth visit to John Kennedy ; 6 acres, pretty fine lot of AA. Mr. K. is willing to learn, and is experimenting to get on the right track, and doubtless before long he wiU be one of the first on the list in securing good quality and prices. Here we were treated to a fine turkey dinner, of which we were not slow to partake. We took the cars at Kin- zers' station for Lancaster and home. As a county, Lancaster makes a clever show in the tobacco growing world, but as a State we are but a "drop in the bucket," when compared with other States. In 1876 we had but 9,565 acres in tobacco, whilst Maryland had 31,159 acres ; Virginia had 82,166 acres ; North Carolina 29,500 acres ; Tennessee 51,111 acres ; Kentucky 188,235 acres ; Ohio 32,716 acres ; Missouri 53,800 acres, and Alabama 22,000 acres. — Respectfully suhmitted, Henry Kurtz. MANURES AND SOIL FERTILIZERS.* In entering upon this subject to-day, I want to forewarn you not to anticipate anything very new or startling. The subject has been so thoroughly gone over, by intelligent farmers and scientific men, that it is hardly to be hoped that I can throw any additional light upon it. But it is one of those questions that are ever new and interesting ; that will bear line upon line, and precept upon precept, and the discussion of which, slowly but surely, leads to a better general understanding of the prin- ciples involved in agricultiu'al improvements. Trusting, therefore, to your forebearance, while recalling points and facts with which you are already familiar, I will enter upon this subject by discussing it under these head : First. Commercial fertilizers : Their need and application. Second. Barn-yard manures and their ac- cumulation. Third. Soil improvement by thorough pul- verization. When we consider how small a proportion of plant organism is made up of inorganic or mineral matters — (9-10 of plant substance being obtained from the air) — and how few of them are ever deficient in our soils ; we might readily suppo.se that soil fertilization was an easy and simple matter. It has been found, that as a rule, only three substances were needful as apjiiications to secure good plant growth, viz: Pho.sphate of lime — potash and ammonia ; and as it is easily ascertained how much of any, or all of these, ai'e required for any desired crop, the question oi fertilizer application would seem to be susceptible of a jirecise mathematical solution : Especially so, as we can ascertain to a rea- sonable certainty the amount of these ingre- dients already in the soil upon which we propose to grow these crops. But when we come to put in practice this supposed precise knowledge, we find there are mysterious ac- tions and counter-actions, not only diflicult to understand, but impossible to wholly control. Notwithstanding the great increase of our knowledge of agricultural chemistry, there are many things in God's laboratory of the "^-Read before the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, by John I. Carter, 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 39 soil, difficult to understaiid, and the changes and alterations going on in it are impossible to foretell or calcidate upon. We compre- hend this difficulty when we remember that woody-liljer — gum, starch and grape-sugar are all composed of equal quantities of the former original principles, vi/ : C.12 11.10 V.IO — and yet we see how differently they ai)pear to us. Hence when we apply a certain number of pounds of i)otash to a a soil deti- cient in that ingredient — we must not assume that the same potash will be found in tlie ash of the plant grown ! But because axiomatic knowledge may be beyond our reach at i)re- sent, is no reason we sliould refuse the aid of the light already gained. Exceptions to rules may make results uncertain, and their appli- cation in many cases extremely diffieull — but established rules or principles should be ac- cepted as guides and landmarks, regulating our practices, to a certain extent at least. Now we are told that a crop of •2^^ bushels of wheat and its corresponding weiglit of straw, say ;!000 lbs. contain 40.40 lbs. "of nitrogen, 21 ft)s. of phosphoric acid, 30.12 lbs. of ijotash and 9 lt)S. of lime. If we fail to grow a crop of thi.s quantity per acre, and we have given the soil a fair preparation, and no climate or inseetiverous trouble has interfered with its growth or maturity, we are justified in assuming that there is a deficiency in the soil, of some or all of the above elements — at least in an avail- able form — and it is our duty to set about as- certaining the character of this deficiencj', and the cheapest and the readiest way of supply- ing it — but this may involve considerable labor and trouble, because our soils are so difEerent, that one farmer's experience is hardly a safe guide for others, and each must carry on a series of experiments, that will be interesting and valuable it is true, but some- what expensive. I have prepared a series of tables, giving the amount of the mineral elements in our most important crops — and the kind and amount of commercial fertilizers we can buy to supply them. Of course the markets otter many fertilizers furnishing the needed ingre- dients, but I have selected for this table those manufactured and sold by Baugh & Son, of Philadelphia, l)ecause they are perfectly reli- able parties, and their goods of guaranteed quality. I will also giv« the country retail price as near as I can, but of course that will vary with distance and other circmiistances. Corn — for 50 bushels of grain, and 4,000 •fts of fodder, we have in Nitroeen. Phos. Acid. Potash. Lime. The ffrain 44..50 lbs. 17.76 10.72 Ifi The fodder 19.00 " 14. 63.80 18 The requisite quantities of these articles can be bought in the following fertilizers : Per Ton. 63. .50 lbs of nitropren in 470 lbs of a. a. nitrogen |48 31.76 " phos. acid in 103 " chal. super, phos. 6.5 84. .53 " potash in 565 " sulph. potash 16 Oats— in 40 bushels of oats and 2,000 lbs. straw. Nitrogpen. Phos. Acid. Potash. Lime. Grain, 24..53 lbs 8. .31 tbs 6.25 lbs 1.40 Straw, 12.20 " 5.76 " 28.10 " 9.34 Furnished as follows : 35.72 tbs nitrogen in 264 tbs of a. a. nitrogen at ?48 14.87 " phos. acid in 45 " chal. super, phos. at 65 34.35 "potash in 240 " sulph. of potash at 16 In 23 bushels of wheat and 2,500 lbs of straw. Nitrogen. Phos. Acid. Potash. Lime. Grain, 31 ,25 tbs 14.36 tbs 960 tbs 1.0 Straw, 14.00 " 6.70 " 15.76 " 8.68 AVe can furnish these as follows : The 45.25 nitrogen in .">35 tbs of a. a. nitrogeo. 21.06 tbs phos. acid in 68 lbs chal. super, phos. 25.30 lbs potash in 170 tbs sulph. of potash. In clover — 2 tons. Nitrogen. Phos. Acid. Potash. Lime. 78.80 lbs 22.40 73.20 39.44 We can procuie the nitrogen fron 583 ttis of a. a. nitrogen, the phos. acid from 70 ttiS chal- lenge, the potash from 500 lbs sulphate of potash. In timothy — 2 tons. Nitrogen. Phos. Acid. Potash. Lime. 62 fts ■ 28.80 lbs 81.60 tbs 22.56 lbs Furnished by 459 lbs. a. a. nitrogen, 92 lbs. of challeuge super, phos., 550 lt>s. sulphate of potash. In 1,800 tt)S of tobacco— in the Nitrogen. Phoe. Acid. Potash. Leaf 49.00 lbs. 7..50 fts. 71 fts. Stalk 33 lbs. 15.00 fts. 47 fts. To furnish these take 007 ftis of a. a. nitro- gen, 72 tbs challenge and 788 tbs of sidphate of potash. TlKue are other sources of supply for tliese ingredients. For instance the nitrogen may be supplied by sulph.ate, of annnonia costing $100 to S120 per ton— containing about 500 Itis of nitrogen — while the a. a. nitrogen con- tains 270 ftjs per ton and costs $48, and in- stead of the challenge super iihosphatc cost- ing $05, and containing 020 lt)S of available phosphoric acid, we could use a common acid or rock phosphate, analyzing, say 12 percent, or containing 240 Itis of available phosphoric acid, and costing $28 per ton, or instead of sulphate of potash, containing 14 per cent, of potassium or 2.S0 ftis per ton — and costing $10, we could use muriate of potash, containing 44 per cent, potash or 880 ttis, and costing $38. The potash from the sulphate is reckoned the most assimilable. Of course these ingredients can also be fur- nished in barn-yard manure, but owing to the diflerence in its quality and condition, it is very difficult to make any definite calculation about it— and if we take the usual estimation of the value of ash ingredients, we will find barn-j'ard manure a very dear way of supjily- ing theiu, if we have to purchase it at the usual rates. A ton of l)arn-yard manure con- tains about 9 ttis of nitrogen, 42 Itis phos- phoric acid, and 10.4 tt)s potash ; hence to produce a crop of 1,800 fts of tobacco, which according to the foregoing tables, contains 82 lbs of nitrogen, we would have to use 9 tons of manure ; to furnish the phosphoric acid would take 5 tons, and the potash 11 tons ! Hence to supply the requisite amount of potash for a good crop of tobacco, it would take about 4 cords of manure, at a cost of $8 to $10 per cord, whilst the same amount of potash could be bought in the form of sul- phate of potash for 6.28 cents. But there is a growing dissatisfaction in the minds of practical and observing farmers, as to the value of nitrogenous manures, or of the application of nitrogen or ammonia in its commercial foi ms, that its cost is too great, that it is merely stimulating, and too transient in its effects, and that by supply- ing the other ash ingredients in requisite form and quantity — and giving the soil per- fect tillage — the needed nitrogen will be su])- plied, from outside sources. Prof. Sliarii, of Baltimore, carries this idea so far as to assert that a cord of barn-yard manure btu'ned, and the ash applied, may do as much good as the unburned manure. Of course this ignores any good result from the mechanical effect of bulking manure upon the soil, as an ameliora- tor, wliich under many circumstances are im- portant, but perhaps not so important as is usually supposed, and I think the time is not distant when thorough pulverization and good tillage will be luade to supply the place to some extent of those bulky fertilizers, as soil ameliorators. By the way a notable illus- tration of this idea is given in an experiment of a correspondent of the Countrn Gentleman, who applied 24 loads of good barn-yanl manure, to two acres for fodder corn. The ground was worked as usual, while two ad- joining acres, upon which no manure was applied, wasreplowed, cultivated three times, and made as tine as a garden. Otherwise both lots were i>lanted alike. The manured lot made twenty-two tons, the other twenty- eight tons — the extra work which was reck- oned at $4 standing against the twenty-four loads of manure. "The explanation of this result is, probably, that the complete sub- division of the soil, rendered available each particle of plant food; the roots had free access to them, and the aeration attbrded by the thorough pulverization, offered every facility for the absori)tion of nitrogen from the air, or for such chemical changes as secured this result. But to take up again the consideration of the nitrogcmous or ammo- niated niannres, and to show their inconsid- erable value with us, I might give tlie results of some r)f our experiments with them on conunon farm crops. These residts will show how poor and transient the action of the ammoniacal fertilizers, and that even barn- yard manure, whose chi(;f value was supposed to be in its nitrogen, makes rather a sorry showing, compared with the phosphatic fer- tilizers. We have attempted to account for this, on the ground tliat one .soil may already be well enough su|)plied with nitro- genous matter in the form of grass roots and decaying vegetable substances, but it may rather bo due to the needed supply of nitro- gen coming from some other source, as is lield by Prof. .Sharp and others. To he Contimied.) *PENNSYLVANIA APPLES FOR EX- PORT. Mr. Puesident. — To give this meeting of intelligent fruit growers a dissertation on "Pennsylvania Ajjples for Export,"' while our State instead of exporting is annually im- porting thousands of barrels of apples for home consumption, must be considered in the ])rospectivc. It is, however, not asserted here that Pennsylvania does not export any ajjples, for some of the western counties have fallen in line with the Xew York trade, but our trade is so insignificant that it is scarcely worthy of notice, compared with that of New York and several other States. That Penn- sylvania to-day might be rivaling any State ill the Union, "in the exporting of apples, had she pursued a course similar to that of other States now so far advanced in this branch of industry, your essayist fn-mly believes. Had "Pennsylvania fruit growers formed active societies as early as New England and New York did, and made etlbrts to dissemi- nate and establish, a reputation for the best and most reliable apples, native to the State, and at the same time dill'u.sed information ne- cessary to the planting and management of orchards, as well as the picking, handling and marketing of their fruits, the commercial value of our orchard products would amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars annu- ally; but instead of taking an independent course, we simply aped after New England and New York, taking for granted that the varieties that succeeded there, were just what irc wanted, and thus have for the last twenty- live or thirty years planted northern and northeastern winter apples trees, and have harvested fall apples. No wonder we don't export. Now, what makes the present aspect the more humiliating is, that all the while Pennsylvania had apples, native or otherwise, just as good as tho.se that been disseminated in consequence of their iiopularily at home, and just as well adapted to her soils and lati- tude as those of other latitudes were to their native place. It is not claimed that fruits do not succeed except in the vicinity where they originated, but it is conceded that varieties of fruTt that give satisfaction everywhere are few and far between. Under these circum- stances your essayist feels more disposed to lectiu-e Pennsylvanians for our short-sighted- ness in the past, than to tell us what apples to export while we have none ; besides, if we had them, it is oidv the few that would know how to manage them properly for exporting. I am, however, gratified to announce that a new era has oiiened for our State. By the diffusion of pomological knowledge, many of our citizens have learned to know the com- mercial value of apples in other States, as well as the steadily increasing demand abroad for the same ; they have also learned to know our mistake in the selection of winter varieties, •Read bv Henry M. Engle, of Marie'ta, Pa , before the Pennsylvania Frlil Growers' AsBoclation. at tbelr annnal meeting at Williamnport, on January 16, 1878. 40 THE LANCASTER fFARMER. [March, which onlj' are vaUiable for export. It is therefore claimed, that we are rather in a transition state, which should tend to repair in the next quarter of a century what we have lost in the last, in the apple business, by not being sufficiently wide awake. My sub- ject, however, is "Pennsylvania Apples for Export. " I shall consider Pennsylvania seed- lings first. I do not see why Smith's Cider and York Imperial might not become as pop- ular abroad as at home. The former is no doubt the most reliable winter apple in Eastern Pennsylvania, and York Imperial very little behind ; both are showy, of good quality, re- liable bearers and good keepers. York Stripe is larger, more showy and of better quality than either, but perhaps not quite so good a keeper. Should it prove as reliable a bearer, it is destined to become one of our most valu- able winter apples, and therefore may come in competition with the best northern apples in foreign markets. Belmont. — It seems strange that an apple with so many excellent qualities should have been so long overlooked in its native State, while it became very pop- ular abroad. I would bespeak for this apple a promising future, when our State goes into the exporting business. Smokehouse, al- though not a very attractive name, there is nothing smoky about it. I know of no apple that is more sought for in its season where it is known, and it will become popular whenever it can be obtained in perfection ; and if its season could be extended a month or two it would rank among the most promising for ex- port. Rambo is equally popular with the latter, but simply as a dessert apple, maturing about the same time, in early winter, which will prevent them from becoming very valua- ble for export. Ewalt — This fine, large, showy apple is looming up in popularity. In appearance it has few rivals among winter apples. The most that can be said against it is that it is rather acid as a dessert apple before it is fully ripe, but for culinary uses it is No. 1. I have known it to sell in Chestnut street, Philadelphia, at $8 per barrel, while the price of winter apjiles generally ranged from 13 to $i. Should it bear exporting well, it would, in my opinion, outsell any other American variety now shipped to foreign mar- kets. Major and Creek are both new promis- ing winter apples of very good quality, and worthy of more extended cultivation. In addition to these there are many valuable native winter apples tliat have only a local reputation, some of which will no doubt prove equal to any of the generally popular kinds. Among the varieties not Pennsylvania seedlings, the green Newtown Pippin has in some localities succeeded well, and among apples shipped to foreign markets, it has thus far sold at higher figures than any other. AVere the yellow ]5ellflower as firm, so as to bear .shipping well, it would be one of the most valuable for export. Peck's Pleasant is scarcely inferior in flavor to Newtown Pippin, of larger size, more showy, and the tree a more vigorous grower. I do not see why this apple should not stand as high in any market as the Newtown Pippin. I would not hesitate to plant Rome Beauty and Ben Davis, both of which are good, showy and productive, as well as good keepers. Romanite — I do not see why this show)' and very productive apple might not become valuable for export. It is of good quality and an excellent keeper, and would bear shipping as well as an}' ajjple with which I am acquainted. There are, however, two varieties disseminated under the same name, with synonyms of Gilpin, Carthouse and others. They are both southern a])ples, and similar in manv respects. lam confident that both have been grown in the same orchard, under the same name and as the same fruit. I believe the above named varie- ties have all proven worthy of cultivation in some localities in our State, mostly in the eastern division. There are many other varieties worthy of notice, perhaps as valuable for export as those just referred to ; but for some time I liave been more disposed to strike a number from our catalogues, than to add more, unless proving of superior merit. I do, however, not wish to be understood as discouraging the planting in our State, wherever they succeed, those excellent northern varieties, which have become famous both at home and abroad ; for in our northwestern counties they have proved much better keepers than in the eastern part of the State. The same may be said of the higher altitudes of the mountainous sec- tions throughout the State to its southern border. Therefore, Hubbardston, Baldwin, E. Spitzenljerg, Northern Spy, Rhode Island Greening, King, American, Golden and Rox Russets and other northern apples may prove valuable for export in those sections of our State just referred to. In order to establish a commercial interest in the apple trade of our State, more or- chards must be planted, and those already es- tablished lietter cared for. There are both land and capital lying idle, or partly so, to pay investors a large profit, and the State a commercial income of hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. To such as woidd invest in this enterprise of apple growing as a busi- ness, I would say select a good location for an orchard, better a little rough and hilly than too low or wet. Prepare the ground as you would for a field crop, observe the orchards surrounding yours close by, and make the largest proportion of your list of such varieties that succeed best in your neighborhood, and upon similar soils. Plant only young thrifty trees, not more than three years old, plant not deeper than they stood in the nursery, and head in the branches at planting, but get and save all the roots you can. Mulch your trees the first season with manure or any rubbish that will keep the earth beneath moist, and cultivate well with summer crops for six or eight years at least. Plan the shape of your trees from the start, and prune so as never to have occasion to cut oil large branches. Nothing but finger and thumb and pocket knife should ever be used for pruning fruit trees while in thrifty condi- tion, and such they should always be so long as you expect to harvest paying crops from them. When the trees commence bearing, keep the ground in good fertility with proper manures," which should be applied in propor- tion to the crops that your trees will yield. Keep out borers from trees, and any other in- sects injurious to trees and fruit, but especially keep down the codling moth, by the applica- tion of bands around the stems of tlie trees. When the crop is large, thin out as systemati- cally as you would your corn when planted too thick. All fruits will keep better if not left get too ripe on the tree. In gathering fin- market, reject all unsound and gnarly speci- mens. It will pay to make two or three grades of almost any friiit for market purposes, so as to have it run uniform. Pack carefully in new barrels, but by all means avoid decep- tion, which is too common, in which the bar- rel is topped off with specimens far above the average. Do not close the barrels at once unless the weather is quite cool. Press the fruit so as not to move in the barrels while they are handled. Place in a cool or rather cold place until freezing weather. Slight freezing after the barrels are closed will not injure them, l)ut they nnist not be roughly handled in tliat condition. Fix your brand on every barrel and also the grade of fruit it contains, and build up a reputation that you never need be ashamed of. By planting more extensively, and following the above direc- tions, I will predict that the rising genera- tion of our State will be enabled to talk more intelligently on Pennsylvania apples for ex- port, than your essayist possibly can on this occasion. For The Lancaster Farmer. ABOUT DARK BRAHMAS. There was an article in the last number of your journal about the Dark Brahmas. I suppose your correspondent is acquainted with this breed, and if he has any fowls that are as nice as the picture in the journal, he would not need to be afraid to put his name to his writing. It is a fact that they are good layers, and as ihothers I have not had much experience, but know that they will make sufficiently good mothers. And as a table fowl, they can not be excelled. And, as to feed, they need less than any other breed. My pullets are not fat at present, and still they weigh nine pounds. Can that be beat ? Farmers and poultry raisers ought to look to their interest, and always have the best breed. And as I have tried a number of kinds, I am convinced that this is the best and most pro- fitable breed that I ever have had before. And if anybody wants any of these kind of eggs I would refer him to Simon Heisey, Elizabethtown, Lancaster county. Pa., breed- er of thoroughbred Dark Bralrma fowls. — s. a L. H. [The article referred to by our correspon- dent, is our own compilation, and relates to the Dark Brahma fowls in general ; but as we raise none, and have none for sale, it was not necessary to append our name to the article. The pictures, however, are not exaggerated, for we have seen birds as handsome, if not handsomer than those respresented. I3ut we do not feel called upon to advertise them, until application is personally made. In the meantime we feel gratified that our corres- pondent is a reader of The Farmer, and that, experimentally, he is in harmony with our views, theoretically expressed. — Editor.] ^ For The Lancaster Farmer, GRAFTING. Eds. Farmer. — Noticing an invitation to all farmers to write for The Farmer, I thought perhaps it would not come amiss to give some new beginners a few hints on grafting and setting out trees, as I have had some experi- ence in that line for the last forty years. When I first began to graft I was taught to cut my grafts in February or March, before the sap liad risen in the trees, in order to get them before the bark got loose, to prevent them from peeling while setting them. An- other idea they advanced was that, if the grafts became a little shriveled they would draw the harder on the sap when set, and be more likely to grow than they would if taken direct from the tree and set. I could not see why anything would grow better for being nearly killed. It seemed to me that was too much like giving a person medicine to make him sick, in order to have him recover quickly. I went to experimenting on it and found it was a humbug, as there was just as much danger of the bark starting on the tree as on the graft ; so I took to cutting my grafts whenever I was ready to set them, and had no trouble in making them grow ; in fact, they grew quicker and made a better growtli the first year, as many of my neighbors can tes- tify. I have cut grafts "both early and late, frequently so late that the leaves were quite large on the graft. In that case I cut the leaves off, being careful to not cut the bud too close to the graft, and they would soon start out fresh again and make a good growth that season. The trees which I speak of are those that have grown to be quite large with- out being grafted. In grafting cherry or pear, I generally cut off a small piece and .split it, to see whether the tree is winding or not. If it is, I cut the bark down as low as I think it will split to receive the graft, on both sides of the tree, being careful to cut with the wind of the tree, and when you split it leave it smooth ; otherwise it would not fit to the graft and would not grow. In this way I have no trouble to make them grow. In grafting small trees, from finir to six feet high, I top graft by cutting the top six feet high, I to)) graft by cutting the top off and getting a graft as near the size as possible, cutting the same slant, fitting them together, winding a little yarn to hold them in place and then waxing it over. The yarn is better not to be very strong ; some old ravelings are best, as they will give when the grafts grow and not stop the growth. If the wax is put on so as to exclude the ak and rain, I find no trou- 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 41 ble in making tliem grow. I make my graft- ing wax luoportioned in this way : Finir parts of ro.sin, two of liccswax, one of tallow. It stands tlic sini wt'U witlionl melting. I will now give my opinion of setting out a yonng oruhard. I think it is best to not go "below the top soil, in onr clay, to set, but rather raise the ground a little, to keep the water from settling around the tree. I have seen more trees spoiled by being too wet than too dry. I hear of a great many complaints in regard to the grub destroying trees. I mean what .some call Ihe borer. About nine times out of ten, I think, the trouble is in setting and shading the trees on the south- west side. Th(^ trees should be set to lean to the southwest, as the strongest winds come from that coiu'se in the spring while the ground is soft, and foice the trees to the northeast ; that gives the sun full jiower in the hottest time in summer, about 1 or 2 o'clock in the day. It cooks the bark on the southwest side of the trees, and bugs soon smell tlie sap, and deposit the eggs, and in a short time you will notice small, dark spots in the bark. Examine, and you will fmd a small worm, with a head as big as the whole body. You can cut them out, or wash with strong lye and kill tliem, but put up something to sliade the tree. If you take notice, you will find the majority lean to the northeast, and that is where the trouble lies. — John Heard, I'ractieal Farmer. and assure him that we shall always l)e pleased to hear from him on any subject he may desire to ventilate, within the scope of our journal. — ElJITt)U. I For The Lanoasteh Farmeh. MORE ABOUT HORNED OWLS. I noticed in a late luunber of a horned owl having boon presented to the Editor, and am not surprised at its being appreciated. This variety was scarce in the vicinity of Lancas- ter forty years ago. The first, and only one I had seen up to my sixteenth year, was on the Pecpiea creek, sLx miles southeast of the city of Lancaster. On moving to Cumberland county, iu 1837, we found them so numerous as to be a severe tax on the poultry ; mauy a large one did my rifle bring down. But to find this bird in its glory one must be along the Missouri river ; along these high bluffs and extensive bottoms of cotton-wood and sycamore. Here they hold high carnival nightly, and to any one unacquainted with their various noises, and who might be a little superstitious, would sujipose that he was within hearing of the infernal regions. I have .shot them by dozens ; have caught some Tiirds with Ijare hands, and am therefore not afraid of them ; but must confess that when passing through the forest on a dark night, these birds disturb my nerves. One trait about this bird naturalists have not mention- ed, and that is, they are ventriloquists. One not knowing tliis might think he had half a mile to walk to where the sound proceeded from. When in fact it is not one hundred yards. At other times they may be two miles oft" and be supposed to be quite near. When two or three are about to pounce upon a hen roost, is the time when they seem to bo pos- sessed with the vcnj devil. Many a night have I been awakened by their fiendish hoots and screams, so that I had to go out and tire a gun to silence tliem. We liave some other rare birds here, a slight sketch of which I can give if you think tliey will be wortli their room. Eagles and falcons, also ravens, are not uncommon here, while the wild geese are here all winter and are seen daily. — Samitel MiUer, lilnfflim^ Mo., Fehruar;r>f<.' X^TiK P. vS. — I was living in the I'equea Valley, six miles from I^ancaster, and one-half mile west of Musselman's Mill, and lived there until 1837. [We have never had the pleasure of meet- ing our correspondent personally, but through the mediumship of our venerable mutual friend Mr. J. B. (iarljer, we have known him from reputation these many years : and have published a number of his contributions iu former issues of Tni-; FAioiEts. We thank him for this renewal of his literary favors, For TuE Lancaster Fabmeii. BLACK HELLEBORE. t llrtlrhvrttH yij/f-r.) Gcnniin Schwarze Neiswurtz, Laueasler county Dutch — Griblltwurtzel — i'CThai.8 from "CllrbtmuS'" — root iustcad of *'roKo." We iiresent our readers with a wood cut of tlie black hellebore, llower and root. This hardy foreigner is remarkable and highly de- sirable both for its oiiiauienlal appearance, and the fact of imiducing its large while flowers from the '_'.">th of December to. lanuary — often in bloom about Christmas, whence it has obtained the name of " Christmas Hose." It has, liowever, no relation with the rose family, its acrid character, and deep green and pedately divided leaves, shows its atliiiity with the "crow-foot family," the liiDnotcu- Jarrir, The root is externally very dark, hence called black — the word hellebiu'c has reference toitsacrid, poisonous (jualities. Dioscoroides, who flourished in the reign of Nero, and was the author of five books on tlie "Materia Mcdica, " extols the medicinal properties of this plant. It is a native of mountain woods, in many parts of Europe. Gerard introduced it into England in l.'j'.lU, therefore it is nothing new in ifiself. This I have met with in numerous gardens, wliei-e it was cultivated for ornament as well as for domestic use. It is remarkable that after a long search in my medical botany, and other works, I can find no notice taken of the great eflicacy of the long, round fibres of the root when eni)>loyed as a seaton in cattle and hogs, affecteil with serious ailments of inflammation. While residing at Mount .Toy, I had a very fine hog. that staggered about like a drunken man. I called the attention of a neighboring farmer to it ; he said the best remedy lie knew was the black helleliore. I showed him a jilant growing in my garden, no doubt planted by the former owner, an experienced gardener, Jlr. Frederic Eckert. My friend got two fibres of the root, ]iiinctured each ear of tlie hog with a jien knife, in.serted a fibre in each ear, and interlaced the ends. That was all that was done ; the setons formed a running sore, and in a few weeks the hog was lively and as healthy as ever, leaving a large hole in each ear, but all healed up. This may be a very common experience, and not new to maiiy, but if so, I am not aware of it. Wliy might it not prove of the greatest eflicacy in "hog cholera?" I throw out this hint — lam not now in the liog line — to make the experi- ment. This ))lant was highly extolled by all the early writers as a hydragoguc purgative and enimeiiagogne, i. e., for the cure of dropsy ami female complaints, mania, cutaneous atfections, worms, &c. It was one of the leading ingredients of Bachler's pills, ho cele- brated in the treatment of dropsy, which induced the Frencli (iovernment to i>urcha.se the receipt at a high price. But like other nostrums once in vogue, it has lost caste and is forgotten by later nostrums tluit annually rise and make a s|)lurge, just to be buried with other medical debris — in oblivion — let them rest in peace. But facts are facts, nevertheless, and what ex|)erience has demonstrated it may Ixr well to mention — for the benefit of those wlio may fancy to cultivate the plant for its beauty — tor its flower in winter out in the open ground where all else is flowerless — except in tlie hot house, and for its use, if so be that it pro- duces the curative powers, if only on hogs, those that raise them may test it on them if not on themselves. — J. Stauffer. For The Lancasteb Farmer. TIMES AND SEASONS. "Coming events cast their .sliailows before." Spring is approaching, and will bring on lilenty of work for the farmer. Everywliere, where we cast our eyes, there are .stones to be jiicked, fences to be made, jilowing to be done, trees to be ]iriined, gardens to be planted, roads to be made, ditches to be cleaned out, niauure to be hauled, and a good many other jobs to be done. I'ick stones from gra.ss and grain fields as early as possible. Then roll as soon as the frost is out of the ground. A good time to roll grass fields is immediately after a rain, when the ground is soft, so that the i-oller may press down the high places, anil make the surface smooth and even for the mower. To roll grain fields we must wait a little longer, and until the surface gets nicely dry, so that the soil will not stick to the roller ; and when i^ice dry enough, do not delay the matter, but go at it at once, or else you might miss it. If a rain comes before you have done the work, it will take .several (lays to dry again. Then another rain may come, and at length the grain may get too large to roll it without injury. Boll it length- wise along the drill rows. It makes the nicest job, and the roller does not press the grain jilants. A still clayey soil is best if jilowed in the "rising" — it will not get so hard as when plowed iu the "setting ;" and a light soil that is too loo.se, is best if plowed in the "setting," because, then it will settle a little more than it otherwi.se would ; and in spading a garden it is the same. Oats if sown iu the rising will not lodge as readily as when .sown in the settiiKj. I'ole-beans ought to bi' idanted in the risinij — they will wind up the poles 1 letter than wlieirplanted iu the sdtinij, and bunch- beans are most successfully iilanted in the «»,ui(/. If thev are planted in the risimj, they will throw out shoots and wind more or less, and this is also the case with peas. I liavc no doiilit but some of the readers of TllE Fak- 51KU will lauijh at me for writing such non- .sense— even those who may be jiracting these ndes more or less, "on the sly" — because, they may know a great many peojile who have no f^aitli in these things, aiul therefore entirely disregard them. But let them laugh ; it is much lietter to laugh than to cry. Nevertheless, some .seed may fall on good soil, take root and grow. Eveiy one can try for himself; and it is good sometimes to try other modes than those we have been accus- tomed to, even if we have no faith iu them. When we make what we call a "worm- fence," we Hud a difference between that which was made iu the ri'.si'ny and that in the setlimj. The latter soon sinks down on, or into the ground, whilst the former remains intact for a much longer time. It is about the same 42 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ March, in shingling a i"oof. I recall one particular occasion in the shingling of the shed of a cider-press. It was shingled with oak shin- gles, all made from one tree. Those shingles that were put on in the rising turned up their ends, and looked like the reversed feathers of a certain variety of chickens, (Siraub-hinMe) once very common on every farm ; whilst those that were put on in the setting remained flat. Pruning trees is best when done in the "increase," (Zumemcn) because the wound will then heal sooner, and the wood will grow over the wound than when the limbs are cut oft" in the "decrease," (Abnemen). These are matters upon which every one can and ought to experiment for himself. — J. O., Wanvick, March, 1878. [It may be necessary for us to say, that by "rising" and "setting," and by "increase" and "decrease," our contributor alludes to the diflereut phases of the moon. Of course we do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions entertained by those who write for The Farmer, but equity requires us to give our patrons an opportunity to express their views on all subjects relating to agricultural economy. We may, however, say this, that a larger number of the citizens of Lancaster county — and perhaps of the whole State of Pennsylvania — attach more or less importance to these "signs and seasons," than we have any idea of ; and, as our contributor hints, many of those who puhlidy repudiate them, privately practice them. They seem to be inborn in our people ; moreover, there are many phenomena tliat seem utterly inexpli- cable upon any other basis. It is ac- knowledged that the moon affects the tides and physical health, and this is only carrying its influence to the more solid substances.] For The Lancaster Farmer. REVU OF THE FEBRUARY NUMBER. Home Expressions. — It shud be som encur- agment to the Editor and Publisher of The 'Farmer, that ther ar a fu of the county jur- nals that apreciat its merits, 'but the many farmers liu shud patronis it, prefer to help bild up jurnals from ain'oad. Kitchen Garden Calender. — Farmers hu wil not prepar hotbeds, wil be served rit if tha hav to wat thre weks longer for thar erly vegetables. Lancaster County Pajjers. — If Iha wil in- creas in a proportionat ratio, every man wil publish his on paper by and by. Queries and Ansioers. — The Editors reply is gud advis to planters. Many shud tak advantag ov it. Thar is no necesite for hy- ing so many peches from other stats, while tha can be gron at horn. Peek Bark Louse. — Pech groers beter kep an I on it, as it mit spoil our pech prospects. The Loraljard Plum Inks fln on paper, and no dout also on the tre, if the litle turk don't put his trad-mark on it. Essay on Grape Culture is vere gud, but it is tu long to overhaul it in arevu of this kind. Half way plowing and harrowing wheat by J. G. ma satisfy him, but we must not forget that won swalo dos not make a sumer, nor is won seson a far test for any crop. Ruralist exiilans his fowl air as we expected, but he is a litle in the mist with our Fonetic, but he wil yet lern to spel it without Ph. He givs gud advis for rasing toliaco plants, and we are glad that he did not get his bristles up instead of puting. them down. The Coming Tomato has reched us about wons a yer, and no dout wil be coming for a long wile yet. Planting Trees for Timber and Fuel seems to be a mooted question — we hav strong argu- ments pro and con. A. B. K. has bandied the subject very wel. It wud be beter not to trifle with this matter tu long, for we al no that timber can not be gron at short notis, like field crops. Hoeing Wheat. — This is water on our mil. We belev strongly in the doctrine, and pre- dict a buz if gud reports com in this seson wher it is tested. Dairying. — This is an interesting subject, and Mr. Reall has handled it wel. The asso- ciated plan shud work as wel her as in other sections, wher it has proven quite succesful. Dark Brahma Fowls. — We wud not object to receiving a par lik them as a present — we wud prefer them to squashes. Address on Fruit Growing by President Val- der. — This is won of the best articles on this subject that we hav sen. But Mr. Calder never talks nonsense, nor wastes words to no purpose. It wud do yur county societe gud to hav him give a lectur on any subject per- taining to Agriculture or Horticulture. Paris Letter. — We ma alwas expect som- thing nu from France. The leter contains som things worth trying here. Agricultural and Horticultural Society is not progressing vere fast, but beter slo than not at at. We think som of the smaler coun- tes hav mor active societies. Tobacco Growers Association sems to spred mor than any other societe. Perhaps ther is no more in it than in other pursuts. Som ov the members, however, sem redy to growl if tha don't get 30 cents per lb. Formerle tha wer wel satisfid when tha got 10 or 12 cents per lb. Wonder if thar aint some sharks among the groers as wel as the byers. Can't the groers send samples to Paris ? The Linnean Society dos not mak so big a splurg as the others that met in the sam rum, but we think it serves the public as much and posterite mor. Value of Hen Manure. — This is an articl that is niuch neglected. Perhaps if it wer caled hen guano it wud be valued more. Oat Meal as Diet. — Its incresed consumption augurs wel for economy in diet, as also the cousequent helth of thos hu us it. Ther has ben som prejudis against ethig hors fed, but why not et it as wel as hog fed. Walking iiorscs.— This articl shud be print- ed in larg leters and posted in every farmers hors stabl in the county. It mit be of grat vain. We must drop som articls, or revu wil get too long. — Von Humbolt. For The Lancaster Farmer. FRUIT— WHAT VARIETIES TO GROW. By special request, I will make some note of my personal experience in growing apples and other fruits, in Lancaster county. There are certain localities within our domain which we may properly call fruit-belts, where we can raise apples, pears, peaches, cherries and grapes with the usual success. All we have to do, is to plant and replant, and we can bring fruit to reasonable perfection. But, it is at the .same time a life-study and a daily experience. In some localities in this county we can raise no fruit successfully but apples, and in others both apples and pears, and again in other places the apple tree will not thrive, or will produce only very inferior fruit. It is, therefore, necessary to find out the nature of our soil, in order to know what is, or what is not adapted to the different localities. Forest and fruit trees thrive well in some localities whetlier they be high or low dry or wet. The Black-oak and Hickory re- quire a rich dry soil ; the Po])lar, White-oak and Red-oak, a low and wet soil ; the Black- walnut and Locust, a deep, dry alluvial soil ; the Persimmon, Paw-paw and Pear, a low, loamy soil. The sweet-cherry will never thrive in low places, and especially not along a creek, or low running water. The Early Richmond cherry will thrive either on high or low ground, and so will the Prune, if it is not destroyed by the curculio. I spoke in the beginning about fruit belts. I own a part of one, where we can raise al- most any kind of fruit adapted to this lati- tude, almost to perfection. MetaphoMcall)- speaking, or in point of altitude, we are one of the neighbors of Gen. Geo. M. Steinman, of Martic township, in this county, but we are twenty miles apart. We are on the southern slope of Kissel-Hill, or New Haven Hill, running east to the Conestoga, near EarlvUle, Our place is MUlport, and our township is built from the valley up to the hill, from the summit of which we can see the residence of Mr. Steinman and other build- ings east of the Copper mines and Octoraro Hills. I planted a small orchard eighteen years ago — also Co trees twelve, and the same number eleven years ago ; and at the same time filled up an old orchard, where a good many trees were missing. The three diflerent orchards are less than half a mile apart. The old orchard is on a Red-shale southern slope : the twelve year orchard on rich gravel, southern slope of a lower location, and the eleven year orchard is on a wet loam and still lower in location. I have most of the new popular varieties of apples growing, but not yet in a bearing condition. In order to save time and space I omit naming the varieties. The Red-shale orchard is the best of the three and seldom fails to produce a good crop, as can be attested by Mr. J. B. Garber and others who have seen it loaded down with apples, when they were scarce elsewhere. I planted from one nursery iu the three or- chards, three trees at the same planting. Those in the Red-shale orchard are bearing heavily. The Hubbardston Nonsuch are the largest trees, but they are rather "shy" bearers, whilst in the old orchard they bear profusely, and come to perfection. As I was requested to give a list of apples for our county, I must speak of diflerent varieties for diflferent localities, because I have experienced that some varieties will do best in limestone land, or in gravel, sand or loam. Sometimes apples in their native places will do well, whilst they will utterly fail in others. I think it wrong to discard some of the older varieties of apples. I desire to have a good word for the old Pennsylvania Redstreak and Smoke- house, for yield or profit. I have ten trees of Northern Spy of eighteen years planting, and I got out of patience with them for not bear- ing. But two years ago they began to bear liberally, and I now consider them worthy of culture. The apples on my place are the Pound, Baldwin, York-Imperial, Berks coun- ty cider, Kj-auser, Conestoga Pippin, Para- dise, Winesap, and Romanite. The latter is my principal winter apple, and at the present writing it is the only apple in use in my family. The Millport Sheepnose is also a prominent apple with me, but on account of their overbearing they are not long livers. The Spahnhower is a good summer apple— a middle-sized red-api>le — an ornament to the tree or table. —i. <5. P.— Oregon, March, 1878. [We regret that L. S. R. so completely ignores the Rambo. In its season there is not a better fall and winter eating apple, and none more healtiiful and generous to the taste. It is also good in a stew, pie, dumpling or fritter — none better. — Ed.] ^ For The Lancaster Farmee. AROUND THE FARM.— No. 6. Sweet Potato Plant. Many farmers have a difficulty in raising sweet-potato plants. As we have had uni- form success in raising fine plants it may not be out of place to give our method of laying up the tubes : Dig out the old miild of your pit about two feet deep and fill up with fresh horse manure. Cover the manure about three inches deep with the mold that was thrown out and on this lay the tubers, covering them ; also with mold about two inches deep. Don't use glass, the plants don't come quite as soon Ijut are much hardier. The bed should be sprinkled every morning with warm water and covered at night with carpet or matting. Care should be taken not to let cold rains to fall on the plants. By this method we have raised fine plants. Fire Wcod. In going through the country one sees sights ] sometimes which do not uphold the boasted credit of Lancaster county. One of these is that of women chopping wood. Whatever tends to elevate and lighten woman's labor should engage the attention of every farmer. Their labor is so varied and multitudinous 1878. THE LANCASTER FARMER. 43 that men should take on their shoulders of her burdens when ever they can, and I think it is an indication of a shiftless farmer who lets his women get the tircwood. During the winter all wood needed through the summer should be drawn home, sawed, split and housed. Few things are more an- noying tlian the necessity of cutting wood when you are busy in the fields. Farmers' Homes. I think we farmers do no not cultivate enough taste for the beautiful. In oiu- inor- dinate greed for the "dollar of the daddies" we too often lose sight of the beauties of na- ture and transform ourselves to groveling worms instead of the gifted beings we ought to be. This ftict is most forcibly illustrated in the general surroundings of our homes. There is large room for improvement and I trust the day is not far distant when a general wakening up in this matter will be had through the influence of the few who now adorn and beautify their homes, and our county will abound in tine rural scenes and picturesque liomes as well as fine tobacco fields and f;vt steers. The improvements need not be sudden or expensive, a few evergreen trees planted in the lawn would already im- prove it, besides a few tlower beds would make such a contrast that you will be induced to plant more largely next year. Please try it this spring. — liuralist. — Creswell, PemVa., March ith, 1878. For The Lancaster Farmer. THE TOBACCO FEVER. Tobacco raising is the main object with some farmers, and very few raise none at all, in our section of the country ; and much of the talk among farmers is about tobacco. I often noticed last summer when I went from home, that whenever 1 met other people, where two or three were together, the talk among them was about tobacco. For my part, I raise none, and my belief is that I would not be doing right in raising this weed. God has given us a fine country in which to raise grain, and vegetables, and fruit — eatable articles — and, before God, I believe it is not right to desecrate the soil by raising tobacco. Hundreds of acres of our best. lands are abso- lutely wasted by planting them in tobacco, which would produce good crops of wheat, corn, or i)otatoes, and a good many other use- ful and nourishing crops — articles for poor people to eat. TolDacco robs us of a good deal. J'irit, it demands the best soil on the farm. SeconiUt/, it demands the best and the largest quantity of manure. Farmers haul manure liberally on tobacco land, then after harvest, they manure very sparingly their wheat land, in order to make it reach, and often, through their liberality to the tobacco it don't reach, and the result is a poor crop of wheat gener- ally. Now what is tobacco good for V It is chewed, and snulled, and smoked ; and if used to excess, it often injures, if it does not ruin people physically and financially, to say nothing about it morally. It would be much better if they had never tasted it. Many a poor man spends more for tobacco than would buy fiour for a loaf of bread every day in the week ; or more in a year than would buy a new suit of clothing for each son in the family, even if the number were half a dozen. Xot long ago a poor young man bought at an auc- tion eighteen pieces, or plugs, of tobacco, half as long as his arm. Cheap as he considered it, it amounted to over six dollars. I am informed he chews a ten cent plug every daj'. This is more than a good many have to pay for house rent, to say nothing about the rich who spend dollars where the poor only spend pennies. But it often occurs that the ]wor are more extravagant in this than the rich. It is said in favor of tobacco that it makes a good deal of work for the poor among the people. So it does ; but other more necessary work is neglected on account of the tobacco crop. I have seen farms — and a good many of them, too— where tobacco was cultivated, and I have noticed that the tobacco was kept nice and clean, but the com .stood in high grass and weeds, and a person would have a hard struggle to gel through them in corn- cutting. There they lost something of what they had gained in tobacco. Had tliey put all in corn and applied the same manure, and the same cultivation as they did on their tobacco, they would have had a much better corn crop, and the poor man would have hail labor, the soil would not have, lieen rolibed — in short every man who is iviUixg to work for a reasonable compensation, can always find somethiny to do. Often when I wanted a hand to assist me on the farm, 1 could gut none. They replied, "I must tend my tob,ac('o," and 1 had to shift along the best way I could. Especially when the corn was ripe, I wanted men to cut off corn ; but no, the tobacco must first be put away ; corn can stand and get dry on the stalks, "tobacco is king." Tobacco, it is true, brings in a great deal of money, but still, on the whole, I believe it would be better in the end if a t(jbacco-j>lant had never been cultivated in the county. It certainly will impoverish the land after a few years. Some farms will be so poor that they will hardly support an average family, and leave very little to sell. But nearly all the people have this tobacco fever, and tlierefore there may be very little use in saying anything to them about it. Like all fevers, I suppo.se it will have to run its course; nevertheless I believe it will have its crisis. Many people will not believe even preachers of the gospel, when they warn their flocks of approacliing danger. Therefore we see tobacco-raising saints going on in their way the same as sinners. There is preaching Sunday after Sunday, but people do not repent. They live on in sin from day to day, week to week, month to month, and year to year, without repentance, until the end, and so it will be with tobacco farming — at least, as long as there is viojiey in it. — J. G., Warxcick, March, 1878. [Whatever the moral, physical, and econ- omical status of tobacco growing and tobacco manufacturing and using — or whatever may be its ultimate effect upon the mental and constitutional condition of men, there seems to be a grave doubt whether there ever will be a perfect unity of sentiment on the subject ; therefore, it seems that the most we can do at the present titne, is to concede to every one the privilege of entertaining his own honest views in regard to it. In other words, we may '• agree to disagree ;" because, like manu- facturing and selling or using liquor; selling and buying lottery tickets ; keei)ing and run- ning fast horses ; dealing in fancy or fraudu- lent stocks of various kinds ; men will engage in these occupations so long as they can see any money in them, or they are not directly contraband of law, without troubling them- selves much about the abstract right or wrong of the thing. Perliaps so long as men do not violate their consciences, or invade the rights of their neighbors, we will have to leave them to their own convictions niuler the forms of civil law. One glorious privilege we enjoy in a land of freedom, and tliat is, if it is wrong to raise tobacco there is no power to compel us to do so against our own will, nor can the responsibility of another's wrong doing be laid on our shoulders. Nevertheless, every one ought to enjoy the privilege of expressing his own sentiments on the subject. — Ed.] For The Lancaster Farmer. FERTILIZERS AND IVIANURES-THEIR APPLICATION TO CORN CROPS. I have been for several years interested on the subject of artificial fertilizers and manures of all kinds, and h.ave read whatever came in my way, and such works as 1 could afford to purchase from time to time. There has Ijeen a great change for the bet- ter, in the purity and strength of fertilizer.s offered by all reputable dealers, the object being now to give as much of the valuable in- gredients as possible, as the freight and cost of hauling on the lower grades is just as much per ton as on the higher grades, and this of itself makes the lower grades the dearer. No less has been the change in the maimer of application. Formerly a man would pur- chase a certain kind of fertilizer and with perhaps the best results. The next season he and his neighbors would invest more money in the sanies or a different kind of fi'rtili/.er, and the crop would be very poor. The dealer was of course held res|ioMsil)le for this stale of atfairs in furuishinga worthless article. Either tliey did not know or diil not lake the trouble to inquire whether the failure might not hiVve been .ittriliutalile to their own lack of knowl- edge of what essential plant food their soil in thi^ last case, was lacking. The essi nlinl plant foods are three in num- ber, and they are i)otasli, phosphoric acid and annnouia. The latter is conii)osed of nitro- gen and hydrogen, and is mentioned in .some works as nitrogen, and the amount accord- ing to the ratio between the nilrogen and the compound, ammonia, 17 i)artsannuonia being only e to .')-'.0. M. D. Kendig, of Manor, reimrted the tobacco a« good ; but there is no market as yet. Farmers want to sell but feel assured the times are not favorable to hiirh prices. Wehsteh L. Hershey, of West Hempfield, re- ported sales at from VJ. to 10 cents. The cf)ndition of the crop is good and a considerable amount has been sold. Reading oi Essays. Sylvester Kennedy, according to appointment, read the "following essay on manures: At the last meeting of this association the subject of manures being up, I advanced some views at variance with those of many of the members present, and was asked to give my views on the subject at some future meeting, which I now propose to do. 46 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ March, The question marked out by the society, " Can manure be made equally as good without the farm- ers feeding their grain to their cattle as by feeding it?" was not the question as I argued it, but does it pay the farmers to feed their grain to their cattle. By pay I mean the benefit to their manure pile, or in any other vvaj any profit may seem to accrue. These two questions run so nearly parallel that by answer- ing the one you may answer the other, only that the last gives a little more light and latitude to the subject. In ventilating this subject I know I shall encounter the prejudices of those who have been led to believe that a farm can only be kept in a fertile condition by a farmer feeding all his corn and oats to his cattle, and in this way transferring it to his manure pile. And this idea has been so thoroughly ground in by parental precept and example that I may use the old proverb, that " the fathers have eaten the sour grapes and the children's teeth are set on edge." And there are now old fogies in Manor and other townships so set in their opinions that what their fathers did was right that they pursue the same old trodden path to the mill with a stone in one end of the sack and grain in the other. Now I want them to discard these old fogy ideas and adopt those of Young America, of thinking for themselves. Cir- cumstances are continually changing, and what may seem advantageous to-day may not be so to-morrow. The time was when the subject of manures, ground bone, phosphates, A:e., was not spoken of, and for two reasons : 1st, a farmer did not think he had done well unless he got double his first cost when he sold his cattle, and, therefore, corn-fed manure came in as a consequence and secondary matter; and 2d, because he could send his grain to market condensed in form of beef, cheaper than he could hall it to market. This was before the era of railroads. Then Lancaster and Chester counties could put a corner on the market for several months in the year ; then a few hundred supplied the market-; now it takes as many thousands, and Lancaster and Chester coun- ties don't supply one-tenth of what they did then. Chester county, which used to be the banner county for grazing fat cattle, has now gone almost entirely into dairying, and Lancaster does little in comparison to her former greatness in that line. Ai.d why is all this ? Simply because it don't pay. If it was not for our large exportations to foreign countries of both live stock and beef in refrigerator vessels, beef would not bring four cents per pound in our market to-day. The great West is only just beginning to be de- veloped, and she can now send her produce, corn, etc., cheaper to market, condensed in beef and pork, than by any other methods. Texas is now sending her beef, net weight, in refrigerator cars and under- selling both us and the Westin price, and this is only the beginning of the end. And now I predict that in five, or at most ten years, it will not be argued that it pays to feed grain to cattle. Now let us see what it costs the farmer to make beef, and we will have a better idea of the cost of grain for the manure pile. From observation and from the best information I can get from our best feeders, I find that about 200 pounds is the average weight put on cattle ; some make 300, and by graz- ing in the fall, and feeding late in the spring, 400 pounds may be put on. A fair average is 200, and that takes 40 bushels of grain or 20 bushels per 100 pounds. Now, the 40 bushels, at .50 cents per bushel, will cost $20 ; this is a low estimate of the price of grain, and it will cost five cents per bushel to pay the grinding, making .5.5 cents per bushel, or $22 for 200 weight, or 11 cents per pound of weight put on, and about five pounds for every bushel of grain fed ; this is the debtor side. Now, let us look at the credit side for our profits. The average price of feeding cattle I suppose to be about 5}i cents per pound. Some have paid, I am told, 6 and G}4, and even 7 cents for fine cattle. But I wish to make a low estimate of cost of cattle and feed, so that no complaint shall be made that I have not made a fair expose. Now, the quotation of the Philadelphia beef market is from o% to 63,2' cents per pound, the latter for choice, and that is one cent per pound more for choice than any Lancaster beef cattle will bring, as you may notice that this quota- tion is entirely for Western cattle. Western cattle bring more for two reasons ; first, because we don't get the best cattle here to feed, and second, by being several days on the road in cars they make more net weight per 100 pounds of beef than cattle only one day in the cars. The best Lancaster county cattle therefore bring but 5\^ cents per pound, and it takes at least on-half cent per pound, taking loss of weight and other expenses, to get our cattle to market, thus netting us five cents per pound, making us lose five cents per pound on first cost in the original weight. Now I have shown that every pound of beef we put on costs us Sll per 100 pounds, and 200 pounds costing $22, and by netting us at home §10 for 200 pounds, we lose §12 per steer, and add to that a loss of half a cent per pound on first cost of weight of steer, 1,000 pounds being $5, viz: 12 plus 5 makes $17 loss on each steer in feeding, not counting any loss of substance of hay, fodderand corn fed to the cattle. Now let us sum up results in profit and loss : DR. 20 cattle, wt.. 1,000 fts. each= 20,000 tbs.,at SJJ'C. ^lt).$l,100 00 20 cattle, 800 bush, feed, at 55c. ^ bush 440 00 :$1.640 00 CR. 20 cattle, wt.l, 200 tliB. each-24,000 lbs., at 6c. ^ ft. .$1,200 00 By credit to the manure pile 340 00 $1,540 00 Here we have the very respectable sum of $340, which is supposed in some way to have been added to the manure pile. If invested in lime, that money would buy 3,400 bushels, which would manure fifty acres ; or, if used in the purchase of plaster, it would buy thirty-four tons, or three and a-half car loads, which, if applied to the farm, would, in my estima- tion, be of far more benefit to the soil than that which might be derived from the supposed increased value of the manure. Now, we come to the point : How much substance do the cattle take out of the hay, cornfodder, &c.? They consume, you say, perhaps nothing but what passes to beef and the offal that passes into the manure pile. I say more than that. As well might you say the fuel you put into a stove all passes off in smoke and ashes. Condense the smoke and weigh the ashes and you have a very small portion of the original weight of fuel left. The rest passes off in heat to make comfortable the outer man. Just so in feeding cattle ; it takes a large portion of the feed you give them to generate the heat and keep life and action in the animal. Every motion he makes is just so much of the supply used up — extracted from the feed he consumes, and not to be counted in the manure pile. An important question arises : Can you convert your hay, fodder, straw, &c., into manure, and as good, without feeding grain ? I say you can. Put on layer after layer of this vegetable mass, and to each layer add plaster as you think it requires, and the rain will soon decompose it for you ; and as you have a credit of $340 from not feeding grain, for which you can purchase 34 tons of plaster (33^ car- loads) at flO per ton, or 30 tons of plaster and 400 bushels of lime to go to your manure pile. And here I wish you to especially notice that for every pound of grain fed you have the value of and can put on 1'^ pounds plaster. Now is not this bet- ter and of more value than feeding grain ? I do not say you shall use the whole of 34 tons ofplaster, but use as much as you think necessary, and have the rest in value to put on your farm in any other way, or for pocket money. In this calculation you will see I have made no account of possible loss by cattle dying, of what might be made from keeping horses from the city, or dry cows bought in the fall to come fresh in the spring, all of which might be brought into the profit account. It was contended at a former meeting that whers cattle are fed the farms are more productive and show better results. With this I do not agree, as I know farms the past year in my neighborhood which raised 00 bushels corn per acre, and as good wheat as any of the cattle feeders, and this where no cattle had been fed for several years ; and beside those spoken of as not so productive, they did not likely apply any of the credits shown before in favor of not feeding. It was said at our last meeting that facts are stub- born things, I say better than this, that figures won't lie ; and I want our friends of Manor, who seem to be wise above what is written, to make a better showing. My friend Kurtz, of Mount Joy, is, I suppose, among the largest cattle feeders in the county. Does he raise more or better tobacco or other crops on his farm and get better prices than those who do not feed cattle ! Now let us see why the West can feed cattle and send them to market cheaperthan we can. To make figures easy to calculate we will say a steer weighing 1,000 lbs. will take 40 bushels of corn, or 2,240 fts., to put on '200 lbs. of beef, and in place of sending 2, '240 lbs. of grain she sends 200 lbs. of beef, saving over a ton weight of freight in every beef they send to market. It looks very much as if raising grain and feeding cattle, particularly the latter, is about played out, and the sooner we can get to productions in wliich the West cannot compete, the sooner may we look for more profitable investments. It may be done in milk, market truck, and, perhaps, in some other ways ; or, if Western soil is not adapted for raising first quality tobacco, we may make it pay, and we have a better chance to compete with the West in tobacco than any other crop, even if she can raise as good quality tobacco as we can, from the fact that labor is much more costly and scaice in the West than here, and it requires more labor in proportion to the amount of land put in than any other crop. It may be contended that this essny is more calcu- lated for agriculture in general than tobacco ; but I contend that anything that will throw any light or have a bearing on the productiveness of the soil is as necessary to the cultivation of tobacco as any other crop — in short, what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Henrt Kdetz though the essay was a pretty J good one, but the essayist had made some wrong es- fl timafes. His manure pile made in the above way would be next to worthless. On such land not more than a ton of hay can be raised per acre. (Here Mr. Kennedy inquired of Mr. Kurtz how much corn he raised per acre from his grain fed manure pile, when it was discovered that Mr. Kennedy raised a good deal more than Mr. Kurtz). He said we pay too ranch for our cattle ; we should combine to- gether not to do it. He knew of an instance where a Western dealer got 5% and 7 cents for stock cattle, but even then he believes money can be made out of them by feeding them grain. Such corn fed manure lasts years, and its effects are plainly visible for a long time. He kept an account of an 8 acre field which he planted one year in wheat and one in to- bacco, and he got $4,700 worth of produce off it. That paid, but he put on 100 bushels of lime per acre and as much manure as he conveniently could. WiNFiELD S. Kennedy has fed from 30 to 46 head of cattle each season ; he always goes to Pitts- burg and still further West to get his cattle ; in this way he buys them right ; he begins with feeding four quarts of corn per day, gradually increasing to six quarts. Twelve or fourteen bushels of corn are all he feeds to a steer ; he makes about $45 or $50 per steer, and it pays him : he does not take into account the grass they eat — only the grain. He makes a large amount of good manure. Sylvester Kennedy said the pasturing question had nothing to do with the subject. If Mr. Kurtz can't raise more than fifty bushels of corn to the acre, he ought to quit feeding corn to cattle. If it is the wrong plan to pay too much for cattle, why does Mr. Kurtz do so ? Henry Shiffner related the fact that on two farms in his neighborhood no cattle are fed ; they are surrounded by cattle feeders, but yet they raise one-third more corn !ind wheat to the acre than their neighbors. He had carefully observed these farms for the past seventeen years, and such was the result of his observations. Last year he saw many lots of tobacco, and also this year, and he has found that where cattle are grain-fed on the farm, the tobacco is invariably the best, both in quality and quantity. No lime was put on the above farms, but only the manure made in the ordinary way. Sylvester Kennedy did not believe in over- liming ; he would put on a smaller quantity and put it on more frequently ; he has found this method produces the best results. John Brady has a field which he limed fourteen times in fifteen years, putting on nothing else, and has had good crops every time ; there has never been a growth of sorrel as is contended when no lime is put on land. C. L. HuNSECKER said when a farm was worn out, how is it to be made productive again? Lime or plaster will make hay and corn, and these in turn when fed to cattle, will make manure, with which the farm's fertility can be kept up indefi- nitely. It is absolutely essential that j'ou have barn- yard manure as well as lime or plaster. It pays farmers within miles of this city to come to town and buy manure for their farms. He has seen farms where nothing but rich manure is put on the land; there was little grain but much straw. Lime was needed to give strength to the wheat straw. Sylvester Kennedy admitted lime would bring up a farm, but that had nothing to do with the manure pile. He contended manure of the common sort in conjunction with lime, would be better than all grain fed manure, and no lime. Referred Questions. " How many pounds of moisture will tobacco take in per hundred pounds, taking dry tobacco as a standard?" Henky Kurtz did not know, but he has been told that a ton of dry tobacco will absorb at least 300 pounds of moisture. _ He steamed some once himself and the gain was about forty ]>ounds to the case. A packer who was present thought it would gain nearly one-third in weight. " What per cent, will tobacco lose in the process of sweating after being cased 3" Henry Shiffner thought tobacco will lose forty pounds per hundred after being packed in a damp condition. He saw some that lost twenty percent. ^ of its weight. " Washington L. Hershet had some ninety cases reweighed and it lost ten and one-half per cent. M. D. Kendig had a lot that lost twelve and one- half per cent. Henry Kurtz thought from twelve to fifteen per cent, is the usual loss ; if not sweated properly the loss may be greater. " What distance apart should the plants be set to produce the best results?" Henry Kuktz thought from 20 to 24 inches the best distance. Some plant from 10 to 20 inches. The rows should be four feet alternating with three feet rows. At these distances he has been very successful. John Brady reported a fie'd that was planted in four feet rows with plants 3U inches apart in the 1S78.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 47 rows, which proilnced a tremendous crop. At that distauoe the sun can have full |ilay on the plants. ■ Henkv Siiiki'NEU said experience taught him that 26 inches was the hest ilistance in the row, wirh rows 3l.j feet apart. The plants need plouty of sun and cannot have it at closer distances. At this point the debate on the expediency of send- ing samples of Lancaster county tobacco to the French Exposition was resumed. The French Exposition. I. L. Lamiiis said it was still time to send eamplee of tobacco to the French F.xposilion. lie alluded to the fact, previously stated, that a meeting witli this end in view was called and none hut reporters were present. Since the last meeting he had received labels, instructions and other things from the Agri- cultural Department at Washington, hut he was mi- willing to meet all the expenses that were to be in- curred, personally. A good deal of discussion was carried on between the members on this subject. The main question was — "Can the money be raised to cover the neces- sary expenses ?'' Various plans were proposed to carry out the project. Kut as there was no one ready to say how much the cost would be, it was found ditflcult to know how to go about tlie matter. J. .\I. Frantz discouraged the project. He said as tobacco is a government monopoly in France, and as that government has agents iu Baltimore and Kiehmond all the time, who are fully posted as to the qualities of Lancaster county tobacco, and all the other to- baccos raised in the country, we would have no pecu- niary interest in sending goods over there for exhibi- tion, lie did not think there was any special pecuni- ary benefit to be derived from it, and thought it might as well be given up. It was finally moved that the members present be requested to try and raise money and gather samples aud meet on next Monday, the liSth inst., at 'J o'clock, p. m., to report progress. The question was finally disposed of in this way. It was moved that a committee of three be ap- pointed to prepare business for the next meeting. The President appointed Sylvester Kennedy, J. M. Frantz and Washington L. Hershey the committee. Referred Questions. " What variety of tobaeco should be cultivated ?" Referred to I. L. Landis. " What is the best method of growing tobacco plants ?" Keferred to John Brady. For General Discussion. " Is early plowing advisable for the culture of tobacco !" There being no rurthcr business, on motion, the society adjourned. LINN.1EAN SOCIETY. A stated meeting was held on Saturday, February 2.3d, Vice President Kev. J. 11. Dubbs iu the chair. Five members were present. The donations to the museum consisted of a bottle containing numerous specimens of the "California potato cricket" {Slc7io- palmiUa talpa), sent to Mr. Kathvon via U. S. mail, by Mr. A. L. Fuller, of East Oakland, Almada county, California. These are about the size of our iH.ole crickets, and found very injurious to the potato crops ; being, however, also carnivorous and very pugnacious, they fight and feed upon each other. Thus their temper is a cheek upon their excessive increase. One bottle with a twig of a peach tree, covered with scale insects, first noticed on a single tree in Readin.', by Mr. William Young, of that city, five years ai.'o; they have spread extensively since and two of his trees have perished — hence they must be attended to. They seem to differ from those on the pear trees, hut are evidently a species of Lecanium and for the present may be called Lecanium pcrsi- cutn, the name given them by Mr. Rathvon. Master Harry A. Uubbs donated a specimen of cannel coal from Cornwall, England. Mrs. Zell brought a large portion of the stem of a "castor oil plant,'' (Itecinun communis) three inches in diameter, hard and dry; the outer portion woody, of a fine grain and satin- like gloss,, very light, rather brittle, yet strong; interiorly hollow, with cross nodes every four inches. It might be used in fancy cabinetwork. Mr. W. P. Bolton had an exotic flower which he wished a name for. It belonged to the natural order of the Acan- thace^, much in character like our native Ifianc- thera growing along the water's edge on the Cones- toga. The numerous species of Juslicia have been divided; this may be the Dcclepiera. Mr. J. H. Ryan found a double row of imbricated, ovate, grey colored bodies on a twig, which was new to him. They proved to be the eggs of a species of green hopper near the size of our katydid, but of a dif- ferent genus, the FhyUoptcra vblongifolia. Additions to the Library. The Lancaster Faumek for February ; Mrs. Gibbons sent two Journah, containing articles writ- ten by her ; also a lieformcr, book catalogues and numerous circulars of publications. Mr. Rathvon deposited 5 envelopes containing 48 scraps of histo- rical interest. As chairman of the committee he re- ported that the Young Men's Christian Association bad abandoned the idea of fitting up a room, as bad been mentioned, and per request the committee was discharged. Before reading the papers, .Mr. Rathvon ofi'ered a resolution : Jiexuli/eil, That Microscopy be recognized as a branch of Natural Science to be cultivated and de- veloped by the members of this society, In connec- tion with other branches of science, and report their observations at each meeting under the rules of ScifutiJIc ^fiKc^^Uttn^/, <'ither verbally or in writing, so far as their time and i>leasure will allow. Papers Read. Jlr. Rathvon read a paper. No. 491, on the "Cali- fornia potato cricket," giving an interesting history of its relations and habits. He also read a paper, "Entomological Kccord," No. 4'.12, giving the history and habits of the scale insect found on the peach trees, and those of similar habits on other fruit trees. J. StaullVr rcail a paper, with illustrations, of Infusoria, No. 401!. Having put some moss in a bottle, to which hydrant water was added, he was occasif)nally exhibiting the crowds of animalcuhv to persons coming to his olUee — about five marked spe- cies were bred in this lot. The most remarkalile one was of larger size than the rest, although by no means visible to the naked eye or common magnify- ing pocket lens. This assumed very numerous forms in c^uick succession — protean-like — but the surprise was to find one of those infested with para- sites and actually feeding upon it. Mr. (Jeorge O. Sanderson, who for some time has been putting heat regulators on furnaces, in this city, called attention to this fact ; while looking at one of these he saw smaller creatures crawling over the larger one. On inspection such proved to be the case — like buzzards upon a carrion. This truly verifies the old adage. Remember this is all in a single drop of water; hence it is true that Great fleas and small fleas Have little fleas to bite 'em ; Little fleas have lesser fleas, So ou ad iufiaitum. No further business offering, adjourned to meet Saturday, March 30, 1878. TOBACCO CULTURE. Raising Tobacco Plants. As the time is approaching when tobacco growers will have to prepare their seed beds and provide plants for the coming crop, we give below the me- thod recommended by Dr. B. R. Senscney, in his book on the cultivation and preparation of tobacco for market. As most of the plants grown in this county are raised in open beds instead of hot beds, we give the former method as best adapted to the requirements of the large majority of our tobacco farmers. The general belief is, and it is doubtless correct, that hot bed grown tobaeco plants are not so hardy, nor so likely to withstand the vicissitudes of the season. Open Air Plants. This is the best mode of raising plants in .all dis- tricts where the climate will allow of working the ground and sowing the seed early in the month of April, or the latter part of March. It is less expen- sive, less trouble, and the plants are hardier and less apt to wilt and die, when transplanted from their beds to permanent quarters. It has, however, the disadvantage which I before mentioned, first, of dan- ger of being frost killed, and also inability, very often, of maturing them soon enough, so as to allow of setting out in time to secure, after cutting, a good second crop from the same stalks. This is no small matter, for if an early start be secured and the crop cut about the first to the tenth of August, and the fall be a long and open one, you may secure an after yield, jiaying from fifty to seventy-five dollars per acre — or even more. I am thus plain in these details, because in cultivating this plant it is well to observe every point which will .add to success. I calculate my second crop will at least pay for manuring and plowing the land. In preparing my seed bed 1 am always careful to select a warm and sheltered locality, looking to the south or east. Select, if you can, a piece of new- ground, protected at the north and west by a copse, piece of woodland or a large building or close board fence. Then rake all the dead leaves, old brnsh, corn stalks and old limbs of trees into small heaps about twenty feet from each other and then set afire. When they arc thoroughly consumed, have the ashes raked cleverly over the surface which is intended for your seed bed. Then have the ground well spaded to the depth at least of twelve inches. While it is being spaded, work into the furrows a plentiful sup- ply of well rotted horse manure. After spading the ground, have every clod broken, all stone and stubble removed and rake it clean and smooth. Then top dress the surface with a comjwst made up of horse droppings two parts, leached ashes two parts, and one part Peruvian guano or chicken maiuire. This must be well raked and thoroughly incorporated in the surface soil. When this is done the ground is in readiness for the seed. The ground must not be too wet, neither too dry, when the seed Is sown, but select a day when there Is an appearance of approach- ing rain, or one or two days after a light rain. Do not sow the seed on a windy day, as the light grain will be blown and fall tnievcidy over the surface of the bed, but choose a mild and calm morning. For over twenty-live S(|uare yards of surface, take one tablespoonful of seed anil mix thoroughly In about oiii' peck of grounil plaster or finely sifted ashes. Then sow It broadcast over the bed, endeavoring to secure as even an application to the whole surface ns possible. Secure from the slaughter yard about one bushel of hog hair and spread It evenly over the bed. 'I'his answers several purposes. It secures warmth atid ]>rotection to the delicate young plants, and, chi-mical ingredients which tend to promote their rapid growth. When this is done, get a few bundles of small branches of pine or cedar ami place them over the surface of the bed. These also furnish heat and protection, and may be removed when the i>lantB have grown to the size of a silver dollar. During the iirowth of the plants great attention must be given to the weeds, taking them out as soon as large enouirh to be distinguished from the young plants, and this must be done by hand. In a case of a ilrought, sprinkle the plants in the evening from a waterini; pot, giving tliem a thorough soaking. This will be all that will be found necessary to mature the i>lants for use when wanted to set out in the patch. ■Views of a Connecticut Tobacco Grower. An intelligent Connecticirt river valley grower favored us in an interview within a day or two with the following personal view of the situation and prospect in the valley : " "The business of tohacco is now a very poor one with us. Prices have got so very low that none of the growers can raise tobaeco at a profit, and further- more, their present condition is generally bad, owing to the system of gamlding which they have indulged in for the past several years, and which has nearly ruined them financially. By gambling I mean that farmers have been in the habit of raising, we will say, a crop of tobacco one year, ami not getting cost price for it, have turned right around the next year and got into debt to raise another crop, thinking to recover the losses of the previous year. When they raised good crops they were so stimulated that they would at once seek to enlarge their business by buy- ing land, erecting sheds, and experimenting In com- mercial fertilizers, etc., purely on speculation. There are two classes of growers who arc going to abandon the growing of tobacco in the Connecticut valley, and probably elsewhere as well; one is the capitalists who in past years have been raising from fifteen to fifty acres. The prices have so depreciated iu consequence of the large supjily that has been grown and held by them in the hope that they would get what it cost to grow it, that they are complately discouraged, and at present they are throwing their tobacco into the market at almost whatever price they can get. This class say they have got through with the growing of tobacco. The other class comprises the small growers, who, with a few acre? of land, have grown all the tobaeco they could and have got into debt in doing .so, and have had to sell their tobacco for the last three years at less than cost prices. They have parted with their tobaccos at a sacrifice in order to meet their liabili- ties, and now many of them are compelled to leave the business and places. Hereafter the tobacco to be grown will be mainly grown by the regular class of farmers, who will raise a few acres of tobacco each year — making and using chiefly their own manures — and eultiv.ate sutticient other farm produce to main- tain themselves, and set aside their tobacco for their money crop. All the tobacco that will be raised for the coming few years will be grown by that class, and will be put into the market and sold green. They will not try to make themselves dealers by boxing and casing their crops, as has been done in the past few years, greatly to the injury of both the growers and dealers. I don't think the tobacco mar- ket would have been in nearly as bad a condition as it is at the present time if the farmers had sold their tobacco directly to the dealers instead of bo.xing it. When the dealers bought the tobacco in the valley, prices could be set upon it and its [wsitlvc value known. Afte.- it was sweated, when one dealer had his tobaeco sampled he knew what each class of goods was worth in market ; and if a manufacturer went to A to buy a bill of goods, aud the dealer had in his warehouse the goods the manufacturer wanted, whatever price was set upon these goods, the manu- facturer was aware that if he went to B's ware- house he would have to pay the same price for the same quality of grad'es there that he would have to pay A. But, as the market Is now, with this vast amount of sweated tobacco In the growers' hands, there can be no regular price established on any quality of goods, because the growers are not go<>d enough judges of sweated leaf to know what the tobacco is worth when it is sweated; and the maimfaeturer, taking advantage of this, starts right out Into the country and goes round among the growers and picks up his stock sometimes very cheap. He will go riding around until he comes to some one who is offering his tobacco for less than it 48 THE LANCASTERIFARMER. [March, 1878. is worth in the market, or else he will fimi people that are hard pressed for money and have g:ot to sell, and, of course, in that way he often gets his stocks cheaper than he could of a dealer. One reason why so much poor tobacco is left in the country is because it has been held by the growers and there has been no chance to export it. The trade has not had con- trol of it. In years past, when the dealers handled the tobacco, any of it that was poor, after it was sweated, was shipped right out of the country, and that kept the market continually drained of the poor grades. But since the grower has tried to make himself a dealer, a great deal of the poor tobacco is persistently held in the growers' hands, and left here in the country as a drug in the market. If the growers in the valley had never been tempted to save a dollar by bo.xing their tobacco, it would have been a great deal better for them, as there would not now be much, if any, old tobacco left in their pos- session."— Tobacco Leaf. Pennsylvania is rapidly assuming a leading posi- tion in the cultivation and manufacture of tabacco. The supremacy for many years enjoyed by the tobacco-growers of the Connecticut Valley is being stoutly disputed. Pennsylvania leaf tobacco is daily becoming popular, and in all the counties of the State in which it is cultivated large establishments for the manufacture of cigars have been established and are doing a very successful business. — AUentown Chronicle and Herald. Our valuable and usually correct exchange is slightly wrong in the statement we copy above. Instead of stoutly disputing the supremacy of the Connecticut Valley, Pennsylvania already leads that famous tobacco-growing district. The product of Con- necticut in 187.5 was 9,900,000, and of Massachusetts for the same year, S,.500,000, making a total production of 18,400,000. Lancaster county alone grew nearly, if not quite, that quantity of the weed in 1876, while the entire yield of the whole State for the same period was between 30,000,000 and .35,000,000 pounds. We therefore already lead the Connecticut valley in the weight and money value of her to- bacco crop, and while we have not yet reached the enormous production of Virginia, Tennessee, Ken- tucky and Missouri, we are rapidly closing in on Virginia and Missouri in the matter of pounds, and already exceed them in the money value of our crop. — New Era. ^ How to Use Bones as a Fertilizer. The easiest' manner of preparing bones for use is to burn them with wood. The phosphate of lime is all in the ashes, but the nitrogen is lost as the animal matter is burned away. But an equivalent of am- monia could be purchased in the shape of dried blood, meat, or fish guano, for less money than it would cost to reduce'the bones to a fine powder in their raw condition. One hundred pounds of dry bones contain forty-five pounds of gelatin, in which there are about five pounds of ammonia. This could be replaced by twenty pounds of sulphate of am- monia, at a cost of five and one-half cents per pound, or one dollar and ten cents. As the sulphate is at once available, while the ammonia of bones is only slowly produced, half or a fourth of the former would supply an equivalent of the bones. LITERARY AND PERSONAL. The Ferns of North America. — Illustrated by superbly colored plates. Text by Prof. Daniel C. Eaton, of Yale College , illustrations by Mr. James H. Emei-ton ; and published by S. E. Cassino, Natu- ralists' Agency, Salem, Mass. This splendid and much needed work is published in royal quarto parts, of not less than 20 pages each, and each part will be accompanied by three quarto plates, finely executed, and colored by chromo lithography. By subscrip- tion at $1.00 per part. This beautiful work will be issued at intervals of two months betweetj each part, and will be continued to about 20 numbers. Parts 1, 'J, and 3 are now before us, and we question whether the work can be excelled by any other publication of the kind — any where on this planet — certainly not by any other in the United States. The publisher has availed himself of the best talent, the best material, the best artistic and mechanical execution, and has access to the best collections in the country, and cannot fail to produce a work as perfect in all its de- tails, as the present state of science and mechanism can aflord. There are no subjects of the vegetable realm that are more interesting, easier preserved in their natural condition, and more accessible in local- ities where they are found, than the ferns ; and this work will comprise all the species known to North America. The Secretary's Third Annual Report of the American Berkshire Association, together with sug- gestions, instructions and rules governing applica- tions for entry to the iJecoj-;;. George M.Caldwell, of Williamsville, Illinois, President, with 27 Vice Presidents, from as many diflerent States. Philip Springer, Springfield, Illinois, Secretary and Treas- urer. A handsome little diamond pamphlet of 12 pages. The attention of those interested in Berk- Shire stock is called to the following notice : If not already furnished with entry blanks send for a supply, and on them make your applications, without further delay, for registry in the volume now in course of preparation. Form 20 C is designed for the registry of the im- mediate descendants of recorded sires and dams. Form 20 D is for animals not the immediiite de- scendants of recorded sires and dams. In your request for entry blanks state how many of each kind you are likely to need. Oakland Stud of Perchehon Norman Horses. — M. W. Dunham, importer and breeder, Wayne, Du Page county, Illinois. Thirty-five miles west of Chicago, on the Freeport Division, Chicago and Northwest Railway. The catalogue of Mr. Dunham for 1878, is an ooiavo pamphlet of 48 pp. of letter press, besides twenty full page illustrations of the choicest horse-stock in the country; together with a map of his locality and the railroads leading thereto, executed in the highe,=it art of engraving. Any of our patrons who contemplate investing in this popular breed of farm and domestic horses, will do well to visit Mr. Dunham's Oakland Farm before they make their final purchases. Under any cir cumstauces, they should send for one of his illus- trated catalogues for 1878, if they desire to act intel- ligently on the subject; and be sure to give their name and address in full, including post office, county and State. We call the attention of our readers to the illustration and description of Apollo, al a noble specimen of the useful horse, on page 35 of this number of The Farmer, to be followed by others belonging to this famous stud, at suitable intervals, during the year, or as may be demanded. Tue Poltry World. — For the fancier, the family and the market poulterer : Devoted exclusively to the subject of poultry, in all its various branches. An illustrated demy quarto of 16 pages, published by H. H. Stoddard, Hartford, Conn., at 81.25 a year, in- eluding postage. Clubs of two or more copies, sent to separate addresses, at $1.00 per copy. The pub- lisher proposes to continue, during 1878, the issue of full page chromos, illustrating the choicest varieties of fowls, and those who saw his chromos of last ye.ar may form an idea of what they may expect the present year. Twelve of these colored plates will be furnished for the additional sum of 75 cents, every one of which is worth that money. This publication has reached its seventh volume, and its subscription to twenty-five thousand is from which it may be in- ferred that it is one of the " livest " poultry journals in this country, or even in the entire world. We can conscientiously say to intelligent and progressive poultry breeders, "you cannot possibly afford to do without it," so send along your dimes at once and secure a copy. When bran new pianos can be bought for $125, and pianos containing Mathushek's New Patent Du- plex Overstrung Scale — which the highest musical authorities acknowledge to be the greatest improve- ment ever put into a square piano — for only §200, we ought to become a musical and music-loving people. This is what the Mendelssohn Piano Co., No. 56 Broadway, New York, are doing — selling pianos from their factory at these prices, and all styles — Grand, Square and Upright. The great reputation of these pianos — having been unanimously recom- mended for the liighest honors at the great Centen- nial Exhibition — and the high character of the com- pany for honorable and straightforward dealins, should insure for them liberal patronage. Tlieir illustrated and descriptive catalogue, of forty odd pages, giving an account of their vulcanized lumber process, and highest testimonials of leading musi- cians, will be mailed free to all, and all inquiries by letter cheerfully answered. "Seed Annual," 1878, D. M. Terry & Co., Detroit, Michigan. Where so' much excellence ex- ists it is difficult to discriminate, but we admonish our eastern seedsmen to take care of their laurels, else they may be carried ofl" by their western breth- ren. This annual is a royal 12 mo. of 146 pages, exclusive of the beautifully embellished covers, and two full page colored illustrations. It is profusely illustrated with the finest cuts, from beginning to end, representing vegetable and flowering plants, designs for flower-beds, the most improved seed drills, gariien implements, &c. It also contains valuable tables, embracing careful selections, weight of seeds, quantity sown on an acre, itc, &c. If this catalogue is a fair representation of the character of the firm and their business, it is a credit to the West. Office, stores, and warehouses, Nos. 199, 201, 203, and 205 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Mich. Carrots, Mangold Wurtzels and Sugar Beets. — How to raise them, how to keep them, and how to feed them. By James J. H. Gregory. Author of "onion raising," "cabbage raising," etc., etc. Marblehead, Mass., 1877. A handsome 12 mo. of 01 pages in paper covers, and fourteen fine illustrdtions. This neat little volume is printed on fine calendered paper and contains an index embracing 33 subjects, 20 of which are on carrots and 13 on mangold wurtz- els ; all written in that plain, practical and truthful style which so eminently distinguishes all his writings on field and garden vegetation. Price 30 cents by mail. Just the book for young and progressive farmers and gardeners, containing the "wheat" of the subject, with the "chaff" blown away. Will the author send us a copy of his work on " Squashes, and how to raise them ?" Flower Seeds and Bulbs. — Encourage home enterprise, concentrate your resources, buy at home and save risks and money. If you desire flower and vegetable seeds, Japan lilies, tuberoses, gladiolas, camias, caladiums, dahlias, and summer flowering bulbs and roots, the slio.test way is to make applica- tion to Sig. W. Heinitsh, at C. A. Heinitsh's drug store. East King street. A large supply received from the best and most reliable growers in the country. Catalogues free on application. Subscrip- tions taken for The Ladiex' Floral Cabinet, Tick's Fioral Monthly, and The Lancaster Farmer. Descriptive Catalooue of Plants, alphabeti- cally arranged in classes, Class 1. Plants of special interest. Class 2. Additional list of green-house plants. Class 3. Additional list of hot-house plants. Forty-eight pages octavo, with 25 illustrations of the most beautii'ul flowering plants, including tlie rarest floral novelties. This is the 31st edition oif Ellwanger & Barry's No. 3 catalogue, especially designed for 1878, aiid includes the select bedding plants, chrys- anthemums, dahlias, &e., cultivated and for sale at the Mount Hope nurseries, established in 1840, at Rochester, New York, by these enterprising nur- serymen. Vick's Flower and Vec4etable Garden is the most beautiful work of the kind in the world. It contains nearly 1.50 pages, hundreds of fine illustra- tions, and six chromo plates of flowers, beautifully drawn and colored from nature. Price 50 cents in paper covers; §1.00 in elegant cloth. Printed in German and English. Vick's Illustrated Monthly Magazine, 32 pages, fine illustrations, and colored plate in every number. Price $1.25 a year; five copies for ?5.00. Vick's Catalogue, 3U0 illustrations, only 2 cents. Address, James Viek, Rochester, New York. The New Guide to Rose Culture. — The Dingee and Conard Rose Company, Rose Growers, West Grove, Chester county. Pa. Roses by mail a specialty. This is a handsome octavo of 51 pages, with choice illustrations, and with a large amount of valuable reading matter on the cultivation of roses and other flowering plants, together with instructions of a practical character, for the destruction or prevention of such insects as usually infest the rose. Send for a copy of the Guide, make your selection, and then send for the plants. Descriptive Seed Catalogue, for 1877-8. William Renuies, Toronto, Canada , 80 pages octavo, on fine tinted calendered paper ; with lOS illustra- tions of field .and garden vegetations, embracing fruits, melons, vegetables, herbs, flowers, &e., with instructions in the management of hot-beds and cold-beds, with a copious alphabetically arranged index. Mr. Renuies seeds were awarded a Grand Prize Medal at the National Exhibition held in Fair- mount Park in 1876. Send for a copy. The Western Agriculturist, Quincy, Illinois, comes to us this year enlarged and improved, upon entering its tenth volume. It is now the oldest monthly in the West, and that Dollar Seed Premium given to each subscriber, is one cause of its success- ful and widely extending circulation, which has led to this improvement these times, making so desirable a journal for every Western farmer. The price is still $1.10. New Music — "Silver Gray." — We have received a beautiful song and chorus, entitled "Silver Gray," composed by S. Turney. It is said to be one of the prettiest songs now published. Any music dealer will mail it to your address on receipt of price, 30 Published by W. L. THOMPSON & CO., East Liverpool, Ohio. Vanderbilt's Seed and Illustrated list for 187S. Every kind of farm and garden seeds and implements. Also flower, bird, fruit and tree seeds. Peruvian guano, super phosphate, land plaster, &c. Plants, trees, shrubs, roots, &c. No. '23 Fulton street. New York, 28 pages octavo, elaborately illus- trated. L. L. Crocker's spring circular, manufacturer of "Buffalo Honest Fertilizers," ammoniated bone super phosphate, and pure ground bones. 252 Washington street, Buffalo, New York., 16 pp. 8 vo. No fertilizers in the Union are supported by home testimonials of a higher or more practical class of farmers than these. Report of the proceedings and addresses of "Pennsylvania Fruit Growers' Society, for session of 1877," held at Lancaster in January of said year. Royal octavo of 79 pages and index ; and containing one colored and five plain full page illustrations. Pre- pared by the officers of the association. Twenty-seventh Annual wholesale catalogue of nursery stock, for spring of 1878. Foi sale by Thomas Jackson, Portland, Maine, 10 pp. 8 vo. A very satisfactory detailed price list, which should be consulted by all interested. Kinzey's Fruit Farm and Small Fruit Nur- series, Dayton, Ohio ; 8 pages small octavo with four colored illustrations in natural colors. Send for catalogue and secure good bargains. i THE LANCASTER FARMER^ IIL A NEW BOOK FOR FARMERS. "Carrots, MHiiRolda ami Sugar Bot'ts. Whut kiiidrt to rftise, how to ruisc, aufl how to feed." liy iniiil. Uii ciitH. Also, my three works, on '* Ciibbagos, uii-l How to (irow Them," '■SquuBhcB. iind How to lirow Them," *' Onions, and IIow to (Irow Tliem." Full of Just such minute {lelails as farmers wiiuf. Each, 30 cerits, by mail. My largo illus- truted Seed Catulogue/rcc to all. JAMtS J. H. (GREGORY, 10-3-'Jni] Miirl>l4>li«*]|'"" cau get greenbacks. ■ 1 III II H^^^' need a person in oa cry town to take %m %^ bin^ |^nIiscrii>tlonB for the largest, rhea))est and KcBt lUiiKtnitod family lublication in the world. Any cue can become a successful agent. The most elegant works of art given free to subscribers The price is so low that almost everybody subscribes. One agent reports mak- ing over JIM in a week. A lady agent reports taking over 407 subscribers in 10 days. All who engage make money fast. You cau devote all your time to the business, or only your spare time. You need not be away from home over night. You can do it as well as others. Full particulurB, directions and terms free. Elegant aud expensive outfit free. If you want profitable work send us your addresa at <)nce. It costs nothing to try the business. No one who engages fails to make great pay. Address "The People's Journal," Portland, Maiue. 9-S-lv ^|. pHMMMM iBuot easily earned iu these times,but it can be tpryrTlT made in three months by any one of either ^Ik / / / ^*^^'> iu any part of the country who is willing #ll I J I to work steadily at the employment that we ^f furnifih. $66 i>er week in your own town. You need not be away from home over night. You can give your whole time to the work, or only your spare moments. It end stamp lor terms. • b. C.FoSTEU A Co.tClucinnatUO. ABE PLANTED BT A MILLION PEOPLE IN AMERICA. SbE Vick's Catalogue, — 300 Illustrations, only '2 cents. Vick's Illustrated Monthly Magazine,— 32 pages, fine Ulust rations, and Colored Plate in each number. Price, $1.25 a year ; Five copies for $5.00. Vick's Flower and Vegetable Garden, 50 cents in paper covers ; with elegant cloth covers $l.Oi}. All my publications are printed iu English and German. A'idress, JAMES VICK, Rochester, N. Y. No. I PERUVIAN GUANO. THE subscribers have effected an arrangement with the Peruvian Government Agents, by which they have constantly on hand PURE NO. 1 PERrVIAN GCASTO, which they will deliver from their own stores in Philadel- phia, or the Government Stores in New York or Baltimore. We sell no Guano but what ve Receive Direct from Oovernrtient StoreSj therefore parties buying of us cau rely on receiving non« but a pure article. CHRISTIAN & CO., Ko. 141 North M'ater St., Philnd'a. Send for Descriptive Catalogue. [10-3-lm Ji!li TREES AND PLANTS itlS. Applo Trees, 15c. eiicli ; StniKlnril I'enr, 40c. each ; Dwarf Pear 30c. each, i^traicberriex, Rwtp- berries, and Oraps Tinea by the doz., 100, 1,0U0, or Ui.OOO. AU goods packed and delivered at depot without extra charge. Price-liat free. Address 8. C. DsCOU, Mo.rks. TOWH, Burlington Co., N. J. [10-3-lm. p f\T T\ Any worker can niake$!2 a day at home. Costly UUijJJ Uulflt free. Addrena TlU'E ii Ct> , Auguatu, Mo. l()--.--ly« BEECROFT'S WHEtL HOE. I'rIceM <«roafly Ri'diired for 1S7H. This is one of the greatest labor saving machines invent- ed, it is substautial, made from the best material, is dura- b'e and light, waigliing but IS jiounds. Knives to cut any width, from (J to ir» inches. It has given perleet satisluction wherever used. Beecroft's Hand Wheeler (see cut above). " This iR an indispeueuble implement in a garden whore a hoe cannot be used. Price List aud descriptive Catalogue sent free. THOS. JACKSON, 10-3-lm Manufacturer, Portland, Me> EDW. J. ZAHM, DEALHR IN AMERICAN AND FOREIGN WATCHES, SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE. CLOCKS, JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY. Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted spectacl.es. Bepairing strictly attended to. North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Fa. 9^-ly a week in your own town. Terms and $5 outfit free. Address H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine. 10-2-ly* 5,000,000 Small EVERGREEN aiul nECIDHOrH TREES of all varieties. Also, large Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Fruit Trees, Grape Vines and Small Fruits at very low iirices for spring of 1878. Wholesale Price List sent free. THOS. JACKSON, 10-3-lm NurserjTuan, Portland, Me. per l,00l> aud upwards, lor Seedlings of Shade and Timber Trees. A NiirpliiN of voung trans- planted EVEKOREEK!^, CONCUKD GRAPE VINES, ETC. Send for Vricc List. Addresa, J. JENKINS, Grape and Seedling Nursery, 10-2-lral WINONA, Columlnaua Oounty, Ohio. $66 $1 TTpiT^ T^TTT' WELLS, RICHARDSON& IINr I Hr GO'S PERFECTED BUTTER v-'k-^J-J A AJ.J-i COLOR is* neommended by the Tr\ "in "p^ *pl T~1 /^ np ;i^'iieiiltinul i.resH. and used by I P r\ H P I I *'"" very best Dairymen iu thia X J_Jl\L X-k\J L country, Harris Lewis, L. n. Aru- •pv TT rp rp "J-r "pj old, O. S. E.iha, L. S. Hardin, A. ri I I I I r K ^^* '^''»^e^'«^r, E. D. Mason, aud *~^ ^ A A J-J X V thousands more. It le far better C/-\ T /~\ p\ I than carrots, annatto, orany other ill (ill I color, at one-fourth the cost, and V-/ XJ \J X\ ■ uo work to use. It gives pure dau- delion color and never turns red, oi raucid, but teuds to im- prove aud preserve the butter. A 25 cent bottle colors 300 pounds. Warranted to add 5 cts. per pound to its selling value. Ask your Druggist or Merchant for it, or if you would like toknow what it is, wliat it costs, who uses it, and where you can get it, write to WELLS, RICHARDSON & CO., Proprietors, 10-2-2m] BUBMNOTON, Vt. GRACE'S SALVE. A Vc^K'etablP Proparation, invented in the 17th century by Dr. William Grace, Surgeou in King James' army. Through its agency he cured thousands of the most serious sores and wounds, and wae regarded by all who knew him as a public benefactor. 25c. a box, by mail 30c. For Bale by druggists generally. AGENTS WANTED. Address SITE W. fOWLZ t 20K3, Boitca, Utn. >-l»-«m PEDIGREE ONION SEED. Diiiivcift Oiiliiii s I, riii-cl /mm Ihr rhmf'Al eniont of Ciicii crup /vr Ji/ty yt'am in iniccetu,iun ! TLe ditTereuce ia the crop will be leu times grcster tliin tbe cost of the soeiL My Seed Cutulogue free to all. 10.3.«ra) JAMES J. I!. (JRK(JORY, .Mnrl>l4>lifiiil. nnNiv. ft'rrtf, Ithiek- 2 500 000 ";-;;"; w:;-.,;i:;r f/#i«, ItuntM, I'mrh 'tm-ft,f\c lOO Sl-:i.K4 TEli VA- ItlE'riEN. flrftit Am' rictiii Strtitrherrteit, l>argeat iind bent. Herries 'i oz. each, '.i in. nrotiml. liv inuil 10 for 81: loo fnr 85; I.OOO fur glO. llitsf.n Athat,y, onen,Afeat, lilood, Pitre Acid and Potash Satin. My works are always open lor inspection to every consum- er of Fertilizers. Highest premium and medal of Honor awarded to my Fertilizers by the Centennial Commiswion, Philadelj^hia, '76. Send for new Spring Circular containing full dirertlona and testimonials. L. L. CROCKEK, 10-3-2m 252 Washington St., Buffalo, N. Y. DIPHTHERIA ! Johnson's Anodyne Liniment will posltiToly prevent thia terrible disease, and will positively cure nine caHes in ten, Informatiou that will save many liTca sent fre« by maU. Don't delay a moment. Prevention is belter than cur*. I. S. JOHNSON A CO., Bangror, Maine. 10-3-lm 1760. ESTABLISHED 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO.. 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE, BUILDING HAEDWAEE. GLASS, PAINTS, OILS, FVMPS, TERBACOTTAJRONaiiJLEADPIPE, LEATHER BELTING, SEEDS, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. " Ohio " Reaper and Mo'wer, Whann's Phosphate, Fairbank's Scales, Dupont's Powder, Harrisburg Nails, &c., KN, an evergreen variety which does not require bend- ing down. B.B. & GO'S SURE HE AD CABBAGE, ^iei^" "*'' BAY VIEW HYBRII> It £1.0 N afid the new Tomato— Red Chief, r8r~Seud for Catalogue to BENSON, BTTHPEE Si CO., Seed Warehouse , 223 Cliiircli St. , Philadelphia, 20OL&S. TRADE MARK. Is a complete, natural organic manure, containing the Sola- ' able Salts of plants which have ^served as food. These ele- ments are indispensable to the development of cultivated crops, and in BUjiplying these excrements to the Soil we re- turn to it the constituents which the crops have removed from it, and renew its capability of nourishing new crops. The increasing demand and uniform satisfaction it has (fiven ou all crops during the past three years, prove it to be a good and reliable Fertilizer. A profitable and high, degree of culture requires a liberal supply of manure. Price, $25 Per Ton, Delivered o« board of cars or boat at Philadelphia. HIRAM E. LUTZ, Manufacturer. 1136 MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA, For sale I y the following persons, where circulars can be had: ROBERT H- HILIj, Smyrna and Clayton; Stevenson & Slaughter, Dover; Geo. M. D. Hart, Townsend ; M. N. WillctB, MiJdletown, Del. 10-3-4m I PREMIUM GIFT. EARTH TO HEAVEN Or Christ's Farewell to his Mother. A $5 ELEGANT STEEL ENGRAVING The subject of this beautiful Engraving is taken from JonN-19th Cliapter; 26th and 27lh Verses-and relates to one of tlie most remarkable Incidents in the lifetime of our Savior. The sorrow manifested in the judRnient-hall just prior to his crucihxion, and the sad faces of both mother and son as he bids his mother that last farewell, vividly portraying the touching scene, makes it a mastehpiece of a.r.t, and a Gift that all will be ' than ptfascd with. CUT THIS CERTIFICATE OUT, IT IS WOUTI! $5.00 TO YOU, (-)n receipt of this Ceilificate,lr.getln!r with iiiiipteen ciMits ( lOe) in '"' u rr e n c y or Postage staiiipt) topav tiDstageand mouTiiin''cliaiyt.s we w.Ueeud thf $a.iPO Steel Engraving '1 leet wide by 2'^ feet long, eiilitled CHRIST'S FAREWELL TO HIS MOTHER Free, by mail pusi paid. Btgr" S^-iid lor Eiigiaviug at oiice Btaliug Name in full, togethei with I'cst'-OHice address. Cuimty, :iiid Stale. Address all orders to CONTINENTAL PUBLISHING CO.. No. 4 Home St., CINCINNATI, O. Arran<:'ements have been made with thp Continental Pnblishing Co., No. 4 Home St., Clncimiati, O., to supply this ::5.(XJ ^Steel Knt,'ravint,'. '2 feet wide and 2'3 feet long, Fkkk. PREMIUM GIFT. Will be" mailpd FREI': ■Jl applicauta. Jtc taitiH coioreil platt, about 160 [lagcs, and full dc-icrij, prices sad directions fur plauiiug over 1.200 Varieties of VcRctable and Flower Seeds, Plaota, Roses. Eto. uraluablo to all. Bend for it. AdJr. L. m FEEEY & CO., Detroit, Mich. lO-2-lm] AND Thoroughbred Short-Horn Cattle J Bred and For Sale by the undersigned. OF THE BEST MILKING STRAINS, and at prices to suit the times. Herd open to inspection by strangers at all times (Sundays excepted.) I will be pleased to show my herd to visitors, and any information in regard to the cattle will cheerfully be given, by letter, as desured. 10-2-ly] A. M. RANK, Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster CO., Pa. -. "Voors (To Bubpcrlbers in ct I CdX \ the county. SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS To >abBcriber« out of \ ct-l OR thecouuty. j ^i..£^ZJ Prof. S. S. EATEVON, Editor. LANCASTER APRIL i5 1878. LINNiEUS RATHVON, Publisher. CONTENTS OriHIS NUMBER. Clubbing, -...-.. 49 April, - - 49 Something Good (ind True, - - - - 48 Milk, Cheese and Sugir, - - - - - 49 United States Enlomolopist, - - - - 49 Scale Insects on the Peach, - - - - - 50 The Cultivation of Wheat, - - - . 50 The Brifjton Grape, ------ 61 Barnyard Manures, ------ 51 Query and Answer, ------ 51 Manures and Soil Fertilizers, - - - 52 Various Notes, ------ 53 Hovey's Secdlini; Strawberry, - - - 54 Varieties of Fruit for Pennsylvania, - - 54 Hard Times of 1817—18^2, - - - - 55 Farm Notes, - - - - - - - 55 Washcy Fields — Fences — Koads — Finally. Facts for Farmers, ------ 55 S:ite Aid to Agricultural Societies — A Model County Fair — Some Liberal Prerainms — Wheat, Grapes, Wiiics, &c.— Wouderlul Fruit Production— Sug- gests Foimation of Towuehip Cluba, Celandine, ------- 56 Clothes Moths, ------- 5(1 Correspondence, ------ 57 Around the Farm — No. 7, - - - - - 57 Revu of March Number, . - - . 57 Questions Suggested in Conversations on Fertil- izers, ----.---- 57 Correction for March, ------ 5S OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lanca.ster County Agricul- tural and Ilnrticultural Society, - - - 58 Crop Rei'Ortp — Comniercinl Fertilizere— Beautily- iug Kutal Homes — Oue Hundred Bushels of Cocn to an Acre— New liusiness— Bubiness for Next Meeting — American Silk Worm Moth. Tobacco Growers Association, - - - - 60 Linniuuu Society, ------ 61 Pennsylvania Wheat Prospects, - - - - 61 AGRICULTURAL. Value of Special Manures, • - - - 61 Kight Kind of Farm, ------ O; The Oats Crop, ------ f,i Hauling Manure, ------ 01 The Benefit of Lime, ----- 6J Coal Ashes, - - - - - - -Hi Bleaching Broom Corn, ----- Gi Selecting Seed Corn, 63 Wheat in Australia, - - . . . 62 HORTICULTURAL. Coal Ashes and Curculio, ----- 62 Celery, -------- fi^ Peas, --------- 62 Pruning Dwarf Pears, ----- 62 Beans, ------- -62 Potato Planting, - 62 Beautifying the Grass Plot, - - - - 62 Running Beans, ------ 62 Asparagus, -------62 DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Preserving Fence Posts, ----- 6.3 Which is Kichest, Morning's or Evening's Milk? 63 Profitable Butter Making, - - - - - 6:i Rats and Harness, ------ 63 How a Water-Pipe May be Cleaned, - - - 6 3 Household Receipts, ----- 63 LIVE STOCK. Lancaster County Beef, - - • - - 8 1 Wind Sucking, ------- e4 Thoroughbred Sheep, ----- 64 Lice on Cattle, ------- 64 Abortion in Cows, ------ 64 Literary and Personal, ----- 64 We oflei for ^piiu(4 ui 1^.^, luc l^r^tut aud must complete stock in the U. S., tif Fruit Trees, Ktandiird mid Dwarf. 4fernaiiienttil TreeNAiSltriibN. deciduous & evergreen ROAOM a etppcialty — ail the hnest Rorts. Cilroeii * Hot Hoiifie Plani«. including beet Novelties Descriptive and lllnstrated priced Catalogues sent pre- paid to customers, Iree; to others, on receipt of stamps, as follows : No. I. FrviitB. with colored plate, l."Sc.; plain, lOo. No. 2. Oramental Trees, colored I'lale, 2.'Sc.: plain, 15c. No. 3. Greenhouse, Free. No. 4. Wholesale, Free. No. a. Bope Catalogue for lfi78, Free. f3P~ Small parcels forwarded by mail when desired. AddrCBS, ELLWANGER & BARRY, Rochester, N. Y. lll--J-3ml isoivEisi'xzxiNrcs- 3Nn:'\7«r. THE SMOKER'S PET. Good Live Agents Wanted Everywhere, Novelty Dealers and the Trade sup- plied at reduced rates. Address all orders to the sole manufacturers, C- B. THOMPSON, ]Sri«l^<*|ioi*t« l'4>nii<>('li<'iit. The merits of this invention aie af once appreciateil by every Smoker; an by using this article (^^hich is as light and portable as a cigar) all smokerp can uro the best tobacco at less than one-tenth the exjieiiFc of a i)oor cigar, diepeua- ing entirely with the cuiubrous and iinpightly injies. DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Remove the month jiiero and piston, fill the tnbe half fill of smokiug tobacco, insert the piston and month piece, and light as you would an ordinary cignr. Sample by mail, liO cents. By Mall $1.50 Per Doz. By Espress $12.00 Per Gross. DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING. Clean the Interior Parts with a damp Rag when they become foul. 10-2-)m THE THREE POTATOES. KARIiY L'N:TI0RE.— A di'Iendid late sort. A greater cropper than the Peerless, which it resemblee in form, while far better in quality. Each, per Barrel, $4.00; per Bnabel, $t.00 ; t^t Feck, 75 centB. Hy Illustrated Seed Catalogue FBERto all applicants. JAMES J H. tiREGORT, 10.3.2m] Harblehend, Mans. TREES! TREES 1! TREES I II Smoketown Nursery, mmoketown, I.anraNter Co., (Bird-ln-Hand, P. O.) Pn. Buy trees grown in ttiis connty, and suited to this 8oU and climate. A tiuc etoclt of APPLE, PEACH, PEAR, CilERRT, PI.I'M. APRU'OT. Sl'UAR MAPLE, Silver 9fnplo, Norway Maple, GREEN TRKES of every descrii.tion. ORAPE VINB and SMALL FRUITS of all kinds. A large lot of YELLOW LOCUST. fEtnOKF.TdM'K BflTHNKRY is situated on the oh Philadelphia Road, five miles east of Lauciiler aud on^ mile west of Blrd-in-Hand. Trees may be obtained at the nursery, or at the tree wagon in Centre Square, ou Market Mornings (Wcdoesday and Saturday). Orders by mail promptly attended to and trees delivered in Lancaster, free of charge. LOUIS C. LYTE, 10-3. Im Bird-in-IIand P. ()., Lancaster CO., Pa. THE LATEST INVENTION. THE VICTOR NUTMEG GRATER, A Domestic Jewel that will last a life-time. NEEDS NO REFERENCES. Does away with the Inconveniences connected with other Graters. ItB conBtruction conmendfl ilaelf to tbo public, and all the leading Kitcbeu Furuishiug HoQBes speaK of it in the highest terms. IT IS IJT FACT THE Most Simple, Most Durable, and Most^Re- liable invention ever offered to the public. PRICE 26 CENTS. DirpcliotiN— Take the grater in the left band, palm towards you, with your third flngor through the handle. place the thumb ou tbo apring-lever, remove the feeder and insert the nut. Price to Agents $1.75 Per Dozen GooU I^lve Aftronts Wanted Everywhere. All orders should be addressed to C B. THOIblPSON', Manufacturer's Sole Agent, Also Dealer & Manfr. of Patent Noyelties, &c. IO-2-lm BRIDGKWATER CONN. J I. THE LANCASTER FARMER. »EN1VSYI.VAI«IA KA Trains leave the Depot WE TWARD. Pacific Express* Way Passengert Niagara Express Col. Accommodatiou M«il train via Mt. Joy No. 2 via Columbia Sunday Mail Fast Line* Frederick Accommodation . Harrisburg Accom Columbia Accommodation.. Harrisburg Express Pittsburg Express Cincinnati Express* EASTWARD. Atlantic Express* Philadelphia Express! Harrisburg Express Columbia Accommodation. Pacific Express* Sunday Mail Johnstown Express Day Express* Harrisburg Accom II.ROAO S<'iIE»lII.E. in this city, as follows : Leave Arrive Lancaster. Harrisburg. '2:40 a. m. 4:05 a. m. 4:50 a. m. 7:50 a. m. 9.35 a. m. 10:40 a. m. 7:20 p.m. Col. 8:00 p.m. 11:20 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 11:20 a.m. 1:25 p.m. 11:20 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:25 p.m. 2:15 p. m. Col. 2:45 p. m. 6:00 p.m. 8:10 p.m. 7:20 p. m. Col. 8:00 p. m. 7:25 p. m. 8:40 p. m. 9:25 p. m. 10:50 p. m. 11:30 p.m. 12:45 a.m. Lancaster. Philadelphia. 12:30 a. m. 3:00 a. m. 4:10 a. m. 7:00 a. m. 7:35 a. m. 10:00 a. m. 9.28 p. m. 12:30 p. m. 1:20 p.m. 3;46p. m. 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 3:05 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:1S p. m. 7:20 p.m. 5:50 p. m. 9:00 p. m. The Hanover Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a. m., and wiU run through to Hanover. The Frederick Accommodation, west, connects at Lancas- ter with Fast Line, west, at 2:10 p. m., and runs to Frederick. The Pacific Express, east, on Sunday, when flagged, wiu stop at Middletown, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Landis- Tille. "The only trains which run daily. tRuus daily, excejit Monday. , TO ACCENTS. The Century CI art. A 100-year Almanac, whereby you can ascertain what day of the week any day of the month is or what day of the month any day of the week is, was, or wiU be, from I'M .» 1900 or in what day any event has taken place, from li99 . to' 1900, and 1000 other occurrences. The greatest in- ^^ S vention of man. Every person will buy one; also the j S great Egyptian Puzzle. Sport for all. Either article = 8 lent on receipt of 25c. post paid, or $1 per dozen. .■• M Agents wanted everywhere. Ladies and Gents secure your town at once. You can make $20 per week. Send for "'""^"" K005S BRO'S, Sovelty D-alers. 9-l!-6m] 100 and 102 Washington St.. CHICAGO, 111. P U I- M O N A is beyond comparison the best remedy for the cure of CON- SUMPTION (EVEN IN ITS MOST ADVANCED STAGES), .l.tf/lUia, Brcmchilan. Catarrh, and all derangi-ments of the NERV- OUS SYSTEM. A circular containing particulars of MANX CASES BUCCESSFCLLV TREATED, fuU advise for the treatment of the diseases above mentioned, and certificates of actual cures, will be sent free by mail to all applicants. Address OSCAR G. MOSES, Sole Proprietor, 18 Cortlaudt Street, New York. 9.10-6m THE IMPROVED M. HABERBUSH, MANUFACTURER OF Plain and Fine Harness, SADDLKK. COLLARS, -WHIPS, FLY NETS. &c., ALSO DEALEK IN TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS^ BUFAIO ROBES, Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, G-loves, &c., No. 30 Penn Square, ,Q_l_jy LANCASTER, PA. SI3:iI=!-TS remington Sewing Machine. 1.— Makes a prr/ect LOCK STiCH, alike on both sides, on ali kinds 0/ goods. — 2.-Runs Light, Smooth, Noiseless and Rapid. 3.— Durable -Runs for years "'*out Repair. ^.— WiU do all varieties of Work and Fancy Stitching in a superior manner. , „„,i, _r tS.-\^Most Easily managed \,y the operator. Length ol stitch may be altered while running, and machine can be threaded without passing thread through holes. , 6.-DBSIGN Simple, Ingemous, Eleg^nt^ '^°T ,?• ^r stitch without the use of Cog Wheel Gears, 5°»ry Cams or Lever Arms. Has the Aulomattc Drop Feed, which ;»^»r« uniform length of stitch at any speed. Has our "=" [«'^f^^ Controller, which allows easy movement of needle bar and prevents injury to thread. i.umanu- T.-CoNSTRUCTiDN most careful ^i Finished. It is manu factured by the most skillful and "P'^''"'^""4i?"!l'--^^ the celebrated IIEMIIVGTON A RMORY. Ilion, N. Y. Attention is called to our greatly reduced Pr";"- , 8.-The No. 1 Remington Machine for Manufecturmg and Family use has been recently improved, and is "ff^^" '? '"' public wiih the assurance that it will give entire satisfaction. ARMORY : ILION, N. Y. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 218 and 283 Broadway, New York 1 Half Dozen for SHIRT FRONTS, lO-2-ly] $6.00! l,ineii anil Paper Collars and fuirs SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER AT E. J. EEISl^AN'S, No. 56 North Queen Street, OPPOSITE INQUIRER PRINTING OFEICE. 9-l-ly ,^___ . GRAND TRIUMPH IN HORTICULTURE. Th6 crowniuB result of .Bij/A/em yearn at care and toil— FELTON'S NEW BERRIES. The Cinderella and Com inental Strawberries and Early Prolific and Reliance Raspberries is now offered to the Public ; Tested Biine Teaj^. and in our Judgment the Fonr Best PayiuB Marliet Berries, , „ , „ •^ CATALOa^K .nd PBI« Li^^Fr«. ^^^^^^^ Nuraeryme* and Fruit Growers, Woodbury, N. J. l«-l-3m Our Combined CATALOGUE /«s or EVERYTHING FOR THE GARDEN Numbering 175 pages, with Colored Plate, SENT FREE To our customers of past years, and to all purchasers of our books, either GARDENIAS FOR PROFIT, PRACTICAL FLORICULTURE, Or GARDENINa FOR PLEASURE. Price $1.50 each, prepaid, by mail. To others, on receipt of '25c. Plain Plant or Seed Catalogues, without Plate, free to all. PETER HENDERSON & CO., Seedsmen, Market Gardeners and Florists, 35 CorUandt St., N. "S". We Will Pa| the Highest MaW Price for all of the following articles or we will sell them for you aa b^i: (5 per cent.) commisssiou ■^■■^Ml^BBa^ Cheese, EGOS. 1' O 11 I.- D I I T^ 1 C D TRY. Lard, Talllow, Feath- W% IB I I CIl ■ era. Potatoes, A P »» I. ES, ■• *• ■ ■ ^""J g^ ^^ » XTkT Flour, Feed, Fur, Hide=, Wool. ■jr B^,2xiJ3l • Peanuts, Broom Corn, Dried Fruit, Hay, Hoj.s, &c., &c. Liberal cash advances made on large consignments of staple articles. Farmers, shippere and dealers in general merchandise should write for refe- rence, price current, stencil, &c. When writing us, staU whether you wish to ship on consignment, or sell; if yon wish to sell, name the articles, amoant of each, and your VERY LOWEST PRICE '^.^'^X B, (free aboard oars) at your nearest shipping point. Also, if possible, send sample by mail; if too bulky, by freight. Addess HULL & SGOTNEY, eENERAI. Commission & Shipping Merchants, 221 and 346 North Water Street, 9-11-ly] PHILADELPHIA. We arc now selling ITew Pianos for $125 Each, and all styles, including Grand, Sqn«re and Hl*- rieht, all new and strictly firsl-clnss. at the lowert net casli wbolesale factory prices, direct to the purchaser. . No Agents; no commissiens ; no discounts. Pianos l(X tioo, containing MATHXrSHEK'S NeTT Patent Duplex OTsrstrung Scale, which is without question the greatest improvement ever put into a Square Piano, producing the most astonishing pomer, richness and depth of tone, and a sustaining singing tjutlitf never before attained. Our Uprights are the >«'»' •" America. Pianos sent on trial. Don't fail to write for Illus- trated and Descriptive Catalogue— mailed free. MENDELSSOHN PUNO CO., Xo. 21 East rifteenth St., W. T- »-T-ly ADVERTISING. $t.O0O WORTH FOU $87.50. The cheapest and best way to reach readers outside of '•><''"^-";t\':4,"pr/dTvid:drr/er'''^^rreriec'- over l.OpO "^5?^ WeeUlT Circulation ov«r For catatogufs containing names of papers, and other m- formatioii iiud for estimates, address SEALS 4 FOSTEE, 41 Pirk Eow (Tunes Bnildmg), Kbt Yorli. CHRONIC Diseases Cured. New paths marked out by that plainest of all books— "Plain Home Talk and ^ ^i^^w .^ — Medical Common Sense," -nearly 1,000 pages, 200 illustrations by Dr. E. B Fo"xh, °[lifer^no^''o°.".t(MVs''auThor!n"p~ hy mail fre. PrcebvinailtS 25 for the StomJa.-^ edi'ion, or $1.50fo ttopo/."«r edition, which contains all ^H^^f^^'^^'^H^ and^il4t..ations.^C^ont^nt^s tables free.^^^^^^^^ j.jO.jy 129EaBta8UlSt. N. Y. Scribner's Lumber and Log-Book. OVER HALF A MILLION SOLD. The most complete boo" of its kind ever published. Gives correct meas uremei^f all kinds of lumber, '"88 ""'^ P'^'i^J'JlJ'"^!'' ' EuleJPical contents of square and round timber stave and hSding bolt tables, wages, rent board <=?l»f' ^ °f cisterns, cord-wood tables, interest, etc. Standard Book throughout United States and Canada Ask yomr bookseUer for it, or I wiU send one for 35 cents, post-paid. ^ .^_ FISKER, l»-»-3ml P. O. B«x 238, RoebMter, N. T. ' Unauestlonably the best snsttained work et the Kind in the World." ILLUSTRATED. yotices of the Presft. The Teteran Magazine, which long ago outgrew its ortgit nal title of the fievi Monthly ifagazine, has not in the least abated the popularity it won at the outset, but has add»d t« it in many ways, and has kept fairly abreast of the time^ thanks to the enterprise of the publishers and the tact an* wisdom of its editors. For whatever is best and most read- able in the Literature of travel, discovery, and flotion, th« average reader of to day looks to Harper's Magazine, just u expectantly as did the reader of a quarter of a century ago; there is the same admirable variety jf coutent« and the sam* freshness and suggestivenese in its editorial departmsnU now as theu. — Bosto-n Journal. T s bTm s . Psstige Free ts ill Sntacritors in tlie United Ststoi. Harpeh's Maoazink, one year %* '". $4 00 includes prepayment of D. S. postage by the pub- lislicrs Subse'riptiom to Habpeb'b Magazine, WKBKLT.and Bazak, to one addrem for one year. $10 00 ; or. two of Harper < Periodical, to one address for one year, $7,00 : postage fret. An Extra Copy of either the Magazine, Weekly, or Ba- zar will be supplied nratis for every Club of Fiyb Subsobi- BEBS at $4 00 each, paid for by one remittance ; or, iw Cej»- ies one year, without extra copy, for $20 00. Back yumber.^ can be supplied at any time. The volumes of the Magazine commence with the Num- bers for June and December of each year. When no tune u specified, it will be understood that the subscriber wishes t» begin with the current Number. . . t complete Set of Habper's Magazine, now comprismg 65 Volumes in neat cloth binding, will be sent by eipresa, freight at expense of purchaser, for $2 25 per volume. Single volumes by mail, postpaid, %i 00. Cloth cases, for binding, 50 cents, by mail, postpaid. , _ , . A Complete Analytical Index to the first Fifty Volumes of Habpeb's Magazine has been Published rendering availa. ble for reference the vast and varied «•»»>!,<>' '"f"™.'''"^ which constitutes this periodical a perfect illustrated liter^ ry cyclopedia. 8vo, Cloth, $2 00; Half Calf, $a 25. Bent ^InrcrTpl^^fs-receivd for Harper's Periodicals only Xewspup'rs are not to copy this advrtxsement without ttie express orders of Harper & Brothers. Address H ARPSR & BROTHERS. New York. NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING. A book containing a list of towns in the U. S,. havmg 8 000 pop., and the newspaper having largest circulation. All the BeUgious. Agricultural, Scientific, and other speoal class Journals. Tables of rates, showing cost of adT'^^" ing and everything which an advertiser would like to kn«w. Mailed on receipt of ten cents. Address , -, ^«» OEO. P. R»WE1.I. & CO., 10 Spruo»-8t., N. Y., (opposite "Tribune" bulldl»g). S-l&-«m The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. RATHVOUr, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., APRIL, 1878. Vol. X. No. 4. CLUBBING. We oiler The Fakheu, clubbed with otlier lirst-class publications, at the foUovvinrr prices : Phrenological Joiiriiiil a.m\ Fahmeu - S:5 00, J^..^ ffarper's Monthly i\nt\¥\imKii - - - 5.00, 4.00 Harper's [Veckiy luid F.\rmeu . - - .5.00, 4.00 Harper's Bazar and Farmer - - - - 5.00, 4.00 iy«)-aW 0/ //cdWi and Farmer - - - 2.00, 1.50 ' National Live Stuck Journal sluAYakmek '-^.00, 2..50 Mount Joy Herald and F AHMiiii - - 2..50, 1.75 Friendi, Journal and ViRyiEK - - - ;J.50, 3.00 The first column indicates the regular prices of the two journals respectively, and the second column the club rates, if the two are ordered together. APRIL. The name of this month comes from the Latin Aperilis, which itself is a contraction of Aperilis, from Aperire ; and means to open, because it is the month in which the earth usually opens for new fruits and fiowers, as well as vegetation in general. In old French it was called Abreen ; modern French .^lc)-i7 ,• Portugese and Spanish vl6ri7 ,• Italian ^4pn7c. According to our present time-calciidor it is the/o!()-(/i month of the year, but anciently, on account of this opening quality, it was re- garded as the first month. And, indeed, for all practical purposes, agriculturally con- sidered, we may still regard it as the first month ; for, no matter what the cliaracter of the preceding winter has been — whether mild or severe — not much can be expected in vege- table development until the advent of April. Kitchen-Garden Calender for the Middle States. "Now is the time to plant and .sow if we would hope to reap. Those of us who do not avail ourselves of the i)re.sent need not expect to profit in the future. The exact time, however, in which certain seeds must be sown must depend not only on location, in respect to latitude, but also on the nature of our soil ; if it be heavy a little delay will rather promote than retard our object. It is impracticable underthe contingencies to which we' are subjected to give undeviating direc- tions— the common sen.se of each one must be brought into requisition. Artichokes plant ; dress. Asparagus sow, if uot attended to last month. This vegetable is now cominsr into season. Whenever practicable, a bed of sufii- cienfsize should be made to permit an ample supply without cutting every feeble shoot which peeps above the surface ; indeed, where space and means admit, two beds should be maintained and cut alternate seasons. The newcollossal appears to sustain its reputation. Beans, bush or bunch, sow. Beets, early and long, sow. Broccoli, Purple Cape is the best to sow. Cabbages, Drumhead and Flat Dutch, sow freely, that there may be enough for the fly and to plant ; also, other varieties described in catalogues and books, which will afford an uninterrupted succession, so desirable in every country family. Carrots, Early Horn and Long Orange, sow. Cauliflower, late, sow. Celery sow, if not sown last month. Cress, sow. Cucumbers, Early Frame, sow in a warm spot. Horse-radish, plant, if not already done. Hot-beds, attend to. Leek, sow. Lettuce, sow in drills ; also plant from beds of last autumn's sowing. Marjoram, sweet, sow. Mustard for salad, sow. Mushroom beds, make; attend to those already formed. Nas- turtiums, sow. Onions, plant Buttons for table use, and sow thickly for sets. Parsley, sow. Parsneps, sugar, sow. Peas, early and late, for a succession, sow. Pota- toes, plant plenty of the Early Rose and Suow-flake for the maiu supply during sum- mer and autumn. Kadisli, Long Scarlet, and White and Hcd Turnip, .sow, it not alreaily sown ; also, the (iolden Glabe and While Summer for succession. Salsify, sow. Sage, sow or plant. Spinai'h, the Savoy, .sow at short intervals. Thynie, sow or jilant. To- matoes, sow, to .succeed those Sown in hot- beds. Turnips, sow, if not sown last month — they may succeed. In short, this is the sca.son for the main sowin,g and planting in tlie Mid- dle Stales. Some tender vegetables nuisl, of course, be deferred until next month, which we will then refer to. It is presumed the reader full^' appreciates the importance of ob- taining the seeds which he designs to sow from a reliable source, else all his labor maybe cast away, and instead of reaping the reward whicii attends well-directed efforts, a barren harvest will prove his only recompense." — Landreth''s Rural Jtegister. Health Suggestions. "As the spring advances we should modify our diet to suit the altered condition of nature. Less cornmeal, hominy, milk and other higlily carbonized articles should be eaten. In brief, wtiat was said on former occasions on this subject, should be urged now ; that is, if a greater proportion of fruits, and especially of tart fruits, were used at this season of the year, we should have less of hissitude and spring sickness. If a person eats properly and lives correctly in other respects, there is no reason why he should uot feel as well in spring time as at any other season. But he must not think of indulging himself in other respects, and then ward olf all evil results by eating fruit or some good thing. Moreover, those people who eat largely of meats, fats and greasy food will often conclude that fruits do not agree with them, tliough the fact is that the fruits and the fat do not harmonize with each other." "If one is bilious or troubled with humors and a dyspeptic tendency, he should find relief and strength and satisfaction in a diet which includes wheat meal bread, crushed wheat mush with date sauce, cornmeal mush with fig sauce, oatmeal mush with grape sauce, rye bread with apple sauce, Graham crackers with canned fruits, &c., &c. Vegetable eggs are excellent if you insist on the name of animal food. Mix equal parts of Graham flour and cornmeal with the coldest water ; knead thoroughly into a stiff dougli ; make into cakes of the size and shape of anj' fowl's egg you please, with a stewed fig inside, and bake in a hot oven." — Wells'' Annual Ikalik Almanac. To one having a great a petite, a large stomach, powerful digestion, and much vital energy, we would suggest an ostrich egg — if not a "mare's egg" — as the proper "size and shape" of the egg to be formed. Under cer- tain conditions and in the present physically demoralized state of the human family, the foregoing suggestions are no doubt, in the main, good ; but there has been many an oc- togenarian and ccntennarian wlio never heard of them. No doubt we are all in the habit of eating too much meat and fat, and do not make the necessary seasonable discrimination in the use of food, but we find the bread used among our farmers generally far preferable to the stufls called bread in the above paragraph, and as likely to prolong life and healtli as they are. Poor families, compelled to live on 75 or 80 cents per day, could hardly atlbrd to pur- chase the fruits therein named. Fruit, and especially canned fruits, are about the most expensive articles any one could live on. It will be a good time for poor afflicted and dis- eased humanity, when the time comes when the poor can atlbrd to freely use it as articles of daUy food.— Ed. SOMETHING GOOD AND TRUE. We call the special attention of the readers of The Fah.mkh to tlie card of ilr. C. H. Anderson, in the advertising columns of this number of our journal, not only as something new, but also something "good and true." The intrinsic mt^rits of "Iron .Stone" as a water and drain pipe, are sullicient of them- selves to recommend this material to the con- fidence of the ))ulilic. Mr. Ander.sou is so respectably endorsed by those who have used the "Ardeidieim Iron Stone Pipes," and is .socially so highly connected in this county, that we believe our farmers may repose the utmost confidence in him, especially as through the superiority of his wares he has Ijcen enal)led to build up a llourislnng busiuess. MILK, CHEESE AND SUGAR Are all articles of prime necessity, and are also products of agriculture ; the first two are now produced largely by co-operative effort among the farmers, and tlie last can t)e as well, if the cheese factories now organizeil would add tlie retpiisite machinery for grating and pressing the sugar beets; such as is now used for making cider, and such pan as is used for evaporating sorghum juice, will answer the jnirpose as well as that more costly. If the farmers .sliould raise the Sugar beets, the pulp and leaves of which are good for stock, par- ticularly milch cows, improving the quality as well as increasing the quantity of the milk produced; the patrons of the cheese factory would be benefited pecuniarly, and as cheese is an article of large export demand and sugar principally imported, if these interests were united, as suggested above, it would bene- fit the whole county, and the dairy interest in particular. The cost of the necessary appa- ratus is but little and the product large ; it adds another remunerative crop to those now grown, and as all the mineral elements are again returned to the soil, its capacity for larger crops is increased without any extra expense, which enables the farmer to carry more stock, and consequently increase his profits from the sale of its products. — Andrew If. Ward, Bridyewater, 3Iass. UNITED STATES ENTOMOLOGIST. We understand that Prof. C. V. Riley, late State Entomologist of Mis.souri, and the head of the United States Entomological Commis- sion, is a candidate for the position of Ento- mologist of the Department of Agriculture. Professor Riley has a record unequaled by any entomologist in the country for actual work iierformed during the insect plagues of the last few years. In the above-mentioned capacities, he has done work of great value to the whole country, especially in the study of the potato beetle and the Western grasshop- per. It is true, that he was most favorably located ; but he saw the opportunity, acted at once, and so intelligently, energetically and effectively as to i)Ut the means in the farmers' bands to conquer their terrible enemies, and no more can be asked of the greatest general. He has shown himself master of the situation, and it is due to Ike country that he be placed in a position where he can do the most effec- tive work Tltrec hundred million dollars is the amount of lo.ss ascribed annually to insect pests in this country ; yet wliile the past entomologists of the Department of Agricul- ture may have been able men, they have not l)een made of the metal required to battle such powerful hosts. Professor Riley does possess tlie ability to act in such emergencies, and sliould be given the opportunity to do the most possible good. With him as the Entomologist, the Depart- ment o£ Agriculture would not be placed in 50 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [April, the position it was last year, of seeing itself ignored and an entomological comiuission appointed to do the work itself ought to do, and under the supervision of a department entirely distinct — the Hayden survey, under the Treasury Department — which was a very sure way of showing the contempt in which this department has been held.^ySciejifi/ic Farmer, April, 1878. Coming from the East — and the very "Hub," too— this is certainly no ordinary compliment to a Western entomologist. If a change is to be made in the national depart- ment of entomology, judging from the record which Prof. Riley has thus far made, there is, perhaps, no man in the country who has higher practical claims to the chieftainship of that department than he. But should he at- tain to the position of National Entomologist, we hope that Congress will vouchsafe a more sustaining recognition of the claims of that department than it has heretofore, and not like the State of Missouri, ignore the office by withholding the necessary appropriations to make it efficient and useful to the country. The heads of our National Department of Agriculture may not have been all that such positions require, but it is more than probable that much of the inefficiency attributed to that department was due to the meagre support of the National Congress. If there is any truth in Webster's aphorism, "The farmer is the founder of civilization," then that depart- ment of the General Government which speci- ally relates to the interests of the farming public, has been most shabbily treated, from its first org:anization down to the present time. If Prof. Riley should happily be placed in the entomological "chair" of the department, Con- gress should provide, at least, sufficient means to enable him to bring out his publications in a manner equal, if not superior, to those which have distinguished him heretofore. Should the War Department, or any other department, attempt to conduct its afEairs upon such principles as have been imposed upon the Agricultural Department — compel- ling it to beg for information from thousands of different localities in the country without the least compensation — we wonder how effi- cient it would be or what progress it would make ? Fundamentally, agriculture is the basis upon which the vitality of the govern- ment rests, and it should be so recognized. SCALE INSECTS OF THE PEACH. "The editorof this journal was lately shown a twig cut from a peach tree growing in this city, which was completely covered with these Bcales. Subsequently the locality was visited and seven trees were found so badly infested with these insects that not a twig could be found, or a space of an inch on twigs or branches, that was not occupied. Altogether it was about as bad a case as an entomologist could meet with. Of course the trees were par- tialy dead and presented the sickly, diseased appearance usual in such cases. Singularly no other, peach trees in the immediate neighbor- hood had been attacked, although the insects have, seemingly, from appearances, held high carnival in this one enclosure for a number of years. The insect is known as Lccanium persiccB,* and is not very destructive or even common in this country. The eggs deposited by the females are said to hatch in July, and the males, which are minute, two-winged flies, to emerge in August, though an Euro- pean authority states that the males emerge from the scale in May, and pair with the females, which deposit their eggs ' in the com- mencement of summer.'" — Field and Forest, January, 1878. The foregoing relates, presumably, to the same insect of which we received specimens from Mr. Wm. Young, of Reading, Pa. , in January last, and which we have discussed in our February and March numbers, pp. 18, 19 and 34. •In a letter received from Mr. Uhler, since the above wa« In type, he eays the inflect ''probably belongs tc the genua Aapidiotus. It has some of the characters of the European A ■ peraicceoblongtis, 'Baumer,' but differa In some respects." And, now, this same insect has "turned up" here in the City of Lancaster, and we have a number of the infested peach twigs before us, from the premises of Mr. Giindaker, of North Queen street, not more than a hun- dred yards from our place of business. We do not positively know that they are else- where in this city, but Mr. Wm. Harry in- forms us that the peach trees on the premises he occupied inl877 were badly infested by them. If it is a fact that the eggs are hatched in July, then will be the proper time to deluge the trees with whatever solution or decoction that may seem necessary to destroy them, but any attempt to destroy them now would not be practicable. As intimated on a former oc- casion, they have no doubt been imported from Europe. — Ed. ^ THE CULTIVATION OF WHEAT. The cultivation of the wheat crop, just as we cultivate any other plant which we expect to improve and increase its yield, although perhaps not entirely new, is a subject that is looming into importance in various sections of our country, and conspicuously so within the domain of our own "Garden County," and the results have been as favorable as could be expected under all the vicissitudes which usually accompany a "new departure," in any direction, from the modes and customs of our fathers. We need not give the reasons why cultivation improves the quality and in- creases the quantity of wheat or any other crop, for on a little reflection it must become self-evident. If we were to sow fields of corn, tobacco, cabbages, &c., and then leave them to take care of themselves, without any further culture whatever, as we have been in the habit of treating our wheat, does any rational man for a moment suppose we would be able to gather such crops of the.se vege a- bles as we do from them when we subject them to thorough culture ? As "like causes produce like ettects" in the general phenomena of nature, we are compelled to include wheat in the same category. To Messrs. L. W. Groff and his son, A. B. Groff, of West Earl township, belongs the credit of initiating the cultivation of wheat in the county of Lancas- ter, and we must refer our readers for the re- sults of their experiments to their plain state- ment, and reports of committees on the sub- ject, published on page 164 of The Lancas- ter Farmer for 1877. Since that period the subject has gradually been growing into favor, and now some of the best and most practical agricultural minds in the country have mani- fested an interest in it, and are successfull}' engaged in experimenting. The Messrs. Groft''s success last year has stimulated their efforts in the present crop, in which they are joined by their most intelli- gent neighbors. On Tuesday, the 0th inst. , we, in company with Mr. J. B. Weisgarber, paid a visit to the farms of Messrs. Grolf, and witnessed the practical operation of their mode of culture, and its visible effects upon the growing wheat, and we must confess that both the manipula- tion and the results far surpassed our ultimate expectations. The distance from Lancaster city is about ten miles, over a well-conditioned road, through quiet, tidy-looking villages, and a fine rolling country expanding on either hand. The wheat fields decked in their luxu- rient vernal sheen, were "just beautiful," and we doubted whether they could be ex- celled anywhere, but when we reached the Groir farms, the illusion quickly vanished, and the effects of cultivation were unmis- takably apparent, in color, in firm and erect setting in the soil, and in the breadth of the blades. Of course, the difference between cultivation and non-cultivation can only be fully determined when the crops are gathered; but if external appearances indicate anything, then we without hesitation should record our judgment in favor of cultivation. It doubt- less will be said that the Messrs. Groff liber- ally manure or fertilize their lands, and hence the difference in favor of their grain ; but we found the fields of all then- neighbors, who cultivate by their system, in the same pros- perous condition, even among those who are proverbial for their sparing of manure, and " hard working " of their lands, and this con- dition has been produced by cultivation alone. But that is not all. In fields that had been cultivated last spring, and then sown in clover, the same beneficial effect is seen in the said clover fields at the present time. As an illustration of the benefits of cultiva- tion to the "after crop," it is only necessary to mention that in a field where clover had been sown on cultivated wheat, in the month of May, 1877, a very clever crop of clover hay was harvested about the beginning of October of the same year. When you enter a field of wheat over which the cultivator has passed the second or third time, you find the earth between the drills as mellow as it is in a vege- table garden, and it must be evident that this condition of the soil is as beneficial to the growing crops in one case as in the other. It seems to us a rational conclusion, because it absorbs more and retains longer the dews and rains which fall upon it ; it allows a freer ex- pansion and development of the main roots and the feeding rootlets, through which the stalk becomes firmerset,and therefore not so lia- ble to fall or "lodge, "as under the old system. The Messrs. Groff use a common wheat drill, six feet between the wheels. These six feet are divided into five spaces, each space being a fraction over fourteen inches. Instead of eight feeding hoes, as in the common drills, there are but /owr, so that the space between the two outside ones and the wheels is the same as that between the inner hoes. This leaves the drills wide enough apart for the horses to walk between them without t.-eading down the wheat. It is not necessary to describe how a grain drill is operated, adjusted, feeds, &c., for that is familiar to all who have ever used one. It may, however, be necessary to say that the lower end of the hoes spread out .something like a horse's foot, only more pointed, being a little over four inches in di- ameter inside, and have a double beveled or deflexed diametrical bar near the lower end, upon which the wheat falls, and is thus more equally or evenly distributed — that is, it does not fall in one single crowded line, as in a common drill. These hoes can be attached to any drill by a re-division of the spaces; and the old hoes can be used by attaching the spreading foot and cross-bar below, because there is less crowding of the seed and it is more scattered on the ground as it leaves the drill, whereby every sound grain is sure to produce a vigorous plant which will mature its fruit. It is claimed to be more economical in its consumption of seed on a given quantity of land than the common eight-holed drill. When the time for cultivation comes, if it is not desirable to have two machines, the feed- ing hose can be removed and the cultivator can be attached to the same running-gears. These consist of as many three -clawed culti- vating hoes as there are feeding hose, and ar- ranged the same distance apart. Between these are suspended triangular or V-shaped inverted troughs, that pass over the rows of wheat and protect it against injury during the process of cultivation, and it is remarkable to notice how complete this protection is accom- plished. The young wheat comes from under them as erecl and uninjured as it was before the cultivator passed over it. The claws of these cultivating hoes are in tri- angular groups, the middle one in advance of the two outer ones, which prevents clogging, and leaves the work even and clean. Of cour.se, these cultivating hoes are so arranged as to be raised up and let fall again, the same as in the process of planting. It only re- quires the progressive agriculturist to see the process to be convinced of its utilitj'. Not- withstanding all the wheat looks promising the present season, yet we observed none so vigorous, so uniform in size, so firmly set and so rich in color as that under the cultivation of the Messrs. Groff', Ranck and others who use this process, and we await corresponding beneficial results. 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 51 THE BRIGHTON GRAPE. Grown and for sale by Edward .1. Evans & Co., York, York county. Pa. Price, by mail, post-paid, for one year old, Sl.UO ; for two years old, $1.. 50. This (Jrape, wliicli is des- tined to become popular, is a cross between the Concord and Diana Hamburg, and was originated by Mr. .lacob Moore of Brighton, New \''ork, who is well known for hisentluisi- astic devotion to the business of artilicial crossing of fruits, in order to iirodnce im- proved varieties. Mr. E. II. Hooker, of Ro- chester, who has the original vine, has tested it for five consecutive years, and it has given unqualified satisfaction. It received the Wilder Medal, for Mr. Hooker's display of the fruit at the Exhibition of the " American Pomo- logical Society," at Baltimore, in September, 1S77, and those who had llie pleasure of tast- ing the fruit on that occasion, fully sustain all that has been claimed for it by its originator, and those who have gnnvn it, and have it for sale. It is confidently named among our Hardy Varieties by Nursery men of the liigh- est standing in the country, and Mr. Hooker who has tried it longist, and perhaps knows it best, declares that he knows of xo oxe va- riety of grape which combines so many ex- cellent traits as are found in this. It is confi- dently believed that a general trial will amply ripens too early to be well adapted to packing and keeping iu this latitude. cult. Jkaidi/ fif Vine and Foliage. — It is no small advantage that the Brighton Vine has immense glossy dark green leaves, whicli are very attractive, and effectually resists diseases which afllict feebler growing kinds. QUERY AND ANSWER. Mr. J. M. J., Lanraster, Pa.— The branch of tlie peach tree submitted to us was in- fested by a species ot IScolytus or Tnmicits, small black or brown cylindrical beetles. We cannot be positive about the species by .seeing the larva alone ; but they probably are pyri — the pear-blight beetle. Two years ago a branch, similarly infested, was sent to us from Cecil CO., Maryland. See third column, page 3(!, March nuniber of The Farmer. The small, luird spherical object submitted to us two days ago, was the "uutlet" or seed of the "hack-berry," (Celtis occidentali.^ \a,T. pumila,] a small tree, growing on river banks and in woods, from New England to Wiscon- sin, and southward, belonging to tlie sub- order Ulmace^, or elm family. The fruit grows on a peduncle or stem, reddish or yel- lowish in color, but turning a dark purple at maturity ; sweet and edible ; as large as bird- cherries ; flesh thin, and ripening in autumn. it becomes necessary to give tlie matter seri- ous attention, and to note with care liow best to prepare sufficient for one's own use, and the most economical method of manufacture. The time and method of application, and the effect of different kinds upon various crops, are a'lso matters of great and growing im- portance. But this essay proposes to treat mainly upon the best and most economical methodsof manufacture, embracing not theory simply, for years of practice and watching the result of application are both embodied in everytliing herewitli presented. The richest barnyard manure produced is from corn-fed cattle ; the next is, perhaps, from the droppings of grain-fed hor.ses. The two mixed together make a very acceptable fertilizer, and a liberal application thereof to any soil will make the whole face of nature smile with an abundant liarvest. In this con- nection tlicre is another element richer and more acceptable to the land, that is almost wholly lost from nearly every barnyard. This element is the liquiis to see a dwarf pear orchard that he had jilanted for Dr. Houghton. These trees all looked flourishing, and Mr. Bright told us he used no tool but his fret in jilanting ; that he W'ould scratch a little hollow with his boots, set the roots in and .scratch some soil over the roots in the same way with his feet ; that he wore out two pair of boots in planting those trees. The soil, if it can be called soil, w.as almost a clean sand, and could be easily moved by the feet like an ash heaji. The trees were then young, but appeared healthy and thriving. Thus it appears there's no royal road to success for tree planting, no more than in securing wealth. And "that there are no rules without exceptions." Mr. Levi S. Reist's orchards, as he says, I saw them and very plainly perceived the difference, both as to soil and location. His orchard near Millport is certainly on a most suitable soil, as well as on a southern exposure, moderately elevated and a kind of loose, shelly soil ; just the kind of .soil, I should think, to be most suitable for all kinds of fruit trees ; even the Japan iiersimmon might find there a suitable locality and a home. Cultivating Apples for Export. Our friend goes strong for growing apples for export. But oh I dear, if we could only grow a sufliciency for home use, we might then, and not till then, think of growing them for export. The fact is .strange to me that they can grow them in plenty, north as well as south of us, yet we do not lack in trees. Occasionally we get a superaljundance, then, again, for years only a few or none. Who can tell "the reason why?" The prospect at present is that we may be blest with a fair crop of all kinds of fruit this .season; but we are Bot yet "out of the woods," and ''.Tack Frost," or some other casualty may yet intervene to mar our pros- pects— time will tell. The buds on peach and ajiricot trees are at least three-fourths safe and sound yet. — J. B. Garber. 54 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ April, HOVEVS SEEDLING STRAWBERRY. This splendid berry was raised bv the Messrs. Hovey. of Boston, and for this climate is one of the "finest of all varieties. It bears much, and its influence extends over a much larjrer area, but thus far not half the counties in the State are represented. May we hope that the best talent, not only in the agricul- thrui^Tanrmost delidouVof ' fruit.'Yre^ i tural, but also in horticultural interests in quently measuring, under ordinarj- cultiva- every county in the btate, w,U soon be repre- tion, three or four inches in circumference, or from an inch to an inch and a qviailer in diameter. To produce berries of mammoth size, take large." thrifty plants and transplant them in rich, deep soil, one foot apart, and keep all the runners trimmed off. and the ground loose. The next season clip oft all but two or three of the first blossoms on each plant, taking care to have a few plants of an- other variety of the same class, with stomi- nate flowers' in their vicinity. Strawberry plants are commonly designated as male and female, and it is of some importance to know how to distinguish these from each other, since a bed with too large a proportion of the male plants will prove very unproductive. The distinction can be readily made when in bloom, the blossoms of the female having an entirely green center, whilst those that exhibit a great many yellow stamens represent the male or barre'n "plants. Such flowers as have only a portion of stamens around the l.>ase of the" green conical centre of the flower are termer viiliialiK' vitrli-tii'H that niiislit 1)1' I'lTiiiiiiiiruili'il, liiit it it II |{<-iii<>NO lit' Imtiii^. 'J'ht' iiiiiiiv ('Xr<>lli-iit new viirii'tlr» iif ((rii|ici( ('ori'«liiui'iw a fiTxIi iiii|H'tiin tnwunl tlic rxlfii- hIoii of tliiH ili-xiiiilili' fruit. No kiiiil of IViill will iiriKliirca liir)-!' virlil, witli Hiirli I'l-ilainty, ll« till- viiU'H ciui Im' lalii down iluriii^ llii< win- liTuliil Im< protcrtt'ilaKaliiHt any ilf^ri-i' of i-oltl. Tlio iii'iitiiii;; ami IrainiiiK I'aii lirrn ho niiirli liiyKlilli'il a.s to (li'trr iiiaiiY Iroiii ulli'iii|itin;; iu ciiltiirr, wliii'li, liowcvi'i', Ih JiimI uh Niiii|il<< UM that of any othi-r friiil. Tin- Concoiil Htiil (■oiitiniira to lir tlic t;ia|H* for tlii< iiiilliiiii, wliilit Ivi'H, Martha, loria. Di'lawarc*, ']')y any faiiilly that Iiiih a nffiian- roil nf ^roiinil to plant, lint i-spn-iaily I hi- Nliawlwrry, aM it Im IM> ili-licioux iiM to gratify tin- tanlr of tin* liioHt fuxtiilioiiH, wliilr it In ho proiliictivi- ami <-c tain of a crop in alniimt any wasoii thai it wctnM alinoxt rriininal to ri-ji-rt it on tin- part of hi'ails of many fanii!li coutil of your youth. An I am h few yearn your ncnior |M-riiiil iiii-tockc out your ri'collcc- tioiiH with lioini- of tnltic, anil thuH "(III in" Col. UiMitoii'it liii({i-r i/riifritl picluri! with a fow minute y weiiiK that otherit have been worw off than Ihi-y are that hard aK the prcKi-nt tinicM un- donlitciHv are, we have men much harder timcH. '' Miwry " miiv imt" tun' company," but xynipathy Im i;ratel'ul to it cHpi-cially the Itynipathv which comi-H from like exiicrienc^-n — and the burden may l»e relieved by i-iii;;!!!;;, IniiniKon, the old MoliKi " I'Ct tIM all Im^ un- IkaiMiy together !" My father, an you may rememlM-r. wa«i ac- counted a wealthy in:in (at Iht- llim hUuidard,) at the <-loHe of the war, in 1h|.', notwilh- HtandiiiK Home heavy ex|><-tiMeH and Ionh»-h con- ne4-ted with raiHiUK a coiiiiiHliy of voliiiileerK, ("Marietta (Jiayn.'') and almence fmni bin buMinetix while ill camp, in ]HH. liut the de- preciation in all kiiidx of pro|)<-rly. and the failure of home fornierlv wealthy men for whom he wan Hiirely. really left him in Mtich condition thai had liii* pioprrtv been hoiiI by the »lii»riir at anv time ;iflir 1H17 be wonlil have Im-i'Ii b«|>i'lenKly bankrupt, lint aM all MU|i|HiHi>d him fully Holvent he HvimI and hIiuv:- K'eil on the <-ri-dit of that reputation until, afl^-r el^dil or nine yearn ol int^-nm- anxietv, he j/iadually emer;;euri|j|; many of thoiw- anxioUM yearn, ex- cept when MtraiiKi-pi Hat at our boaid, our cofl'ee wan mainly, if not wholly. ioa>il«-d whwit. rye, baili-y, cheHtniitii, ai-orim (wliiU- oak), &c. And thin wan not Hweelencd, nor (w-hen milk had to be l»in;flil) whlleiiid in recomiienx- of which caciillce, no bard for children to make, we wire each allowed one cent a wt-ek. We hail nieat ;il 'iih iilionl tlire*' inealn in eiwb we«-k, and tl llv, of the chi-HpcHt kindii, but no wc 1 im to Ije whulenouie, uuurUhiug aiid rery palalu- lite. KUh were iibundunt In th«;lited m calclilic^ tlieiii, and the iM-nt nliad ill tlie world, Wi'l|{hlnK lioin live to leu poumU each, were Hold at It) to 1/^ cetitM a piece. Our bread wan lye, or wheat largely mixed with rye, corniueul, or |Mitatoroiii;li, at tl,.'i(XI (M-r acie, and laid it out In 175 town loin ami dinponi-d of Ihem by lotU-ry, (iU wan the practice at that p<-ri'>i-tweeii Ijin- cai-U-r and Marietta] of I'Xi iicrin at t'J.VJ |n-r acie, and aino bou^-bt neveral lionwn to ^et rid of my money. In IHIK the bankn renumed n|M-cii- paymentx, and the di-btn which had Ineli conliaclnl when ' rajjn ' wi-re Ibe i-ir- culatin/ nil iliiiiii. bad now to |j<- |tald iu allver wlii-n one dollar wan woiHi S.'i of pajx-r. The farm I had loiUKht at (I'J.'iO |H-r lu'ie I hold at t\'Mi, ami In two yearn after it wan M>ld at ^40 iMit acrv ! Jiouaen in town which iK;ld at one time at lin.OflO, were afterwards aold hy the nberlll for il.llNI, und .-lume did not nefl for ua much an the lime m then' walln had coat. HiillililiK loin that had iH-eti nold for flom t'J.tNM) to |'.',r>(K) each, were Hold lor t'M each. The fact in that theie were but hvA men In a |topulalion of alMnit 'Jt,iHH) souU that did not break up iK'foie IH'J'J." My dear old filciid, tliiMtt* were, Indeivl, "/iiiril tiinen " In and around our old home! ^ A. It. (Ironh, »»'.««/ii»w/tu(t, JJ. C, A/iir.7. aM, 1H7H, _ For Thb I.AM(UttTga Kamhhb. KAKM NUTUa. Washcy i'Klda Hilly neldn are apt to wanh out dilche« by heavy raiiin. I'ick up the loone iitonen on Ihn lli-ldn, haul tliem to nmli dllchl^« and Itll them up. If theie are not handy, take brunh and dirt and make bankn. Throw dirt in on the lower end to ntop the water. Then put ImuhIi In on the iiptier aide. Ket theiii upii|{lit, or alanl them a little down bill that the water don't wanli the dirt away. Then |iiit diitoli Ibe briinli to hold Ihem in place. Make niicli bankn every ten or twelve vurd.-i lhiou((h Ihn whole ditch', the Htee|H'r'llii- bill the nearer llii'V niiint be to){ether. Hut let tbi-iii nlwaya lie the depth of a fill row lower thiin the aur> face. The npacea In-lween tliene bankn will till Up of thi'iiiaclven, and by and by ^^raaa will i;row over them, and lh<- water will not again wanh them out ; but never plow Ihem up axuin. If I bey are llllid up too bl^b the waliat fencen while the ground la yet nioint and aolV If m-glecled until the ^Mound in dry and hard it double* the lalnir. While the i;round In noft we ciui piinli them an ntral;.'ht aa we want them and kei'li them HO by iKiuiidlnK in nome dirt, liut if delayed until the ground U hard they luiva to Im' dug out oil one aide. Kuada. Make the roailn iverywbeie on the farU) In-fole the ground Inllrmly aettled, aalt liiakea the Im-hI job, and la not no apt to wanh away by heavy rainn. Wln-ii left until hay-inaklng, llieii the ^.'I'oiiml ia tiMi hard to pick or plow, and what in thrown Into the road remain* loone, and diawn heavy wlieli we couie Ix) haul in bay and |.'iain. lint when it in made early ill the npriiig, it nettlen liiliilv fant by the tluin the hay-making and harveating cornea. Kiiiatly. Notliin;:; nbouM In- put o(T iinlil Ixi-niorrow that ••uijhl to Ih' done and I'Oii lie done to-ilay ; for thin In only playing into the bandn of that " procranlinallon " which In "the thief of time." J. U., WarvH'k, ApHl, IH7H, I'ACTS KOR I'AKMKRS. There are many valuable blntn contalmtd Iu the following paper read by (^ol. ,1. I,. Ktlcbter before the Meikaloimly Agrlculluial S-glnlaluie ' ' ' ■ U-n ».'.,(XIlant- growth will ever exhaust the quantity con- tained in all soils, though there are fertilizers now on the market containing silica in solu- ble forms. What is the reason that in The Farmer, for March, in a crop of 50 bushels of corn you have larger amounts of ammonia, &c., than Prof Carter ? Prof. Carter calculates for only 4,000 pounds of fodder, (stems and leaves.) while my calcu- lation is for over 5,000 pounds. Besides, the amounts themselves vary somewhat, so that no two chemists exactly agree, and while the writer of one article may take a certain chemist for authority the other one may take the analysis of some other chemist. Do you believe in trials to determine what ingredients are lacking in the soil V Yes, providing there is any profit in using chemical and other fertilizers, but not in the way generally recommended. I would make the trials in the iisual manner on a part of the field, but on the part I would apply a complete fertilizer or one specially prepared for the crop, and thus make one year's addi- tional profit. Do you believe in special fertilizers ? To some extent, on the score of present economy. In some plants, as onions and cot- ton, the amomits of phosphoric acid and pot- ash contained are nearly the same ; in others, as beets and tobacco, the potash amounts to five times that of phosphoric acid ; the amount of nitrogen also varies from 11 to 4 times that of phosi)horic acid. The Ville formula gives the proportions for a complete fertilizer, as ammonia, 7.09 ; phosphoric acid, 5.00 ; pot- ash, 7.59; for clover, ammonia, 2.55; phos- phoric acid, 5.09 ; potash, 9.1.3 ; for potatoes, ammonia, 4. .50 ; phosphoric acid, 5.97 ; pota.sh, 13.64. From this we see that Prof. Ville con- sidered that potash is needed in nearly twice as great a jiroportion in comi)arison with phosphoric acid in a ])Otato as in a com])!ete fertilizer, and that the amount of ammonia, as compared with phosphoric acid, is just re- versed. If we now get a fertilizer specially prepared for potatoes we can make a heavier application for the same money, as 2^ fts. of potash can be purchased for every pound of ammonia saved. Where large quauties are used the saving, by purchasing special fertil- izers, will be quite an important item. Mr. Henderson, in "Gardening for Pleas- ure," ridicules the idea of special manures, not that he has a "reason to say that the ven- der of these fertilizers was a quack," but he thinks that it makes no difference what kind is applied only so that a sufficieiit quantiti/ is used. It is a well-known fact that market gardeners use enormous quantities of concen- trated fertilizers, as much aa one ton to the acre. Of course such quantities will bring large crops and very early, the latter being the great desideratum with market gardeners. Mr. H. would find that where profits notch so close as in regular farming, and where a few days, earlier or later, in the maturing of a crop does not make any difierence in the money value, that some study on the application of of manures and fertilizers was necessary. His experience, as given in "Gardening for Profit," shows that he also uses fertilizers in a special sense, for he has found that the same fertilizer will not bring as large or as early crops after tvi'O years' successive use, and that he has to change to some other kind. The plain facts are, that he has perhaps used a bone preparation which contained only phos- phoric acid, or phosphoric acid and nitrogen. The heavy crops produced exhaused the pot- ash in the soil ; be now, perhaps, used some fertilizer with a liberal proportion of potash, which was just what his soil needed, and he, of course, raised as good crops as at first. Had he used a special fertilizer I am under the impression that he would have found that his soil could have been cropped from year to year without any diminution in the crop. But will not the soil be exhausted by using fertilizers ? A great many farmers think phosphate and other stuffs run out their land in a few years. The use of concentrated (soluble) fertilizers will run out any common soil in a short time when such fertilizer is used in small quantities. Many farmers put on but one-half, or even only one-fourth' the amount needed to perfect the crop ; the fertilizer being, perhaps, very soluble gives the crop a good start, so that it is carried through ; but, of course, the soil has been impoverished by just as much as the fertilizer lacked the amount of ingredients taken by the crop out of the soil. This manner of apiilying is a very common one, and lias tended in a greater degree to bring approbium on fertilizers than perhaps anything else, ex- cept that of applying one that has only one or two of the ingredients needed by the plant as food. Can we not bring up our soils at least cost by green manuring ? The plowing under of green vegetable mat- ter is by some considered as the way to bring up worn out farms to pristine fertility. Although a very good thing in itself, yet there are a number of serious objections against plowing under green crops. In the first place, the expense is too much if it prevents a crop being taken oft' in the regular rotation. Clover is considered the best for this purpose, but if there is any profit in feeding cattle, or making butter, or if the clover hay can be sold for more than it would cost to replace the amount of plant-food taken up, then would it be best to use or sell the hay and purchase the fertilizer. It is urged that our soils need hunuis, and I have no doubt they are benefitted by it, but I also believe that with the aid of a good fer- tilizer a crop can be raised that will leave enough roots in the sod to fully supply the humus needed. The trials of Lawes and Gil- bert seem to bear this out ; they raise crop aftercrop on the same soil, by the help of arti- ficial fertilizers, and sell the whole crop, never applying stable manure, and the only Immus the soil can possibly have is from the stubbles and roots. I have no data at hand now, but I am under the impression that their crops average higlier now than they did at first. It is not clear to my mind that humus is absolutely necessary, but do not deny but what it has a favorable action on plant-growth. If we would apply the plant-food ingredients contained in the humus, as so much nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash, the eflect might be the same. In the experiments on "water culture," and "artificial .soils," the humus is omitted, at least in the former'case and gen- erally in the latter, and yet the plants raised are as healthy and prolific as if grown in a natural soil. Another error is, the supposition that green manuring increases the amount of plant-food ingredients in the soil. Nitrogen alone is sup- posed to be derived partly from the air, and this then is the only ingredient of the soil that would be increased in amount, the phosphoric acid and potash remaining the same. We have, however, to take into consideration that deep-rooted plants, like red clover, will, with long slim roots, appropriate whatever they find in the sdbsoil and store the materials in the thickened roots above, The crop above ground and roots below will, of course, make a bulk of decaying vegetable m'atter that will carry any crop through. But the subsoil is not inexhaustable, and sooner or later it will also be in the same condition that the sur- face soil is — exhausted of plant-food below the minimum amount needed for healthy plant growth. Do you think then that all farms will at last lie run out ¥ Your argument seems to point that way. I believe that any farm will run out in time, no matter how well it is taken care of, if any part of the produce, vegetable or animal, is sold off and nothiny brought from some foreign source, to replace the plant-food that was re- quired to grow such produce. It may be slow in many cases, but the exhaustion is none tlie less certain. Where will the enormous quantity of fertil- izers come from at last if this theory is ac- cepted '? Nitrogen and phosphoric acid are supplied by Peruvian guano, fish scrap and bones of animals ; phosphoric acid is found in a rock called appatite ; phosphoric acid is also found in large quantities in the extensive deposits in South Carolina, known as phosphate rock ; impure potash salts are mined at difEerent places, the largest being situated in Germany, from whence a great part of what is consumed by us is brought. I have no doubt that many other large de- posits will be found in time, yielding the es- sential plant-food materials, and should even beds now in existence be eventually exhausted, I have no doubt nature is preparing fresh beds that will be then available. — A. B. K. CORRECTION FOR MARCH. In the article, "Fertilizers, &c.,'' com- mencing on page 43 of The Farmer, for March, for "19| ttis. ammonia," read "85 lbs. ammonia." In the words color average strike out the word "color." OUR LOCAT^ ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural and Horticultural Society. The Lancaster County AsricuUural and Horticul- tural Society met in the Athenaeum rooms on Mon- day, April 8. Present: Messrs. M. D. Keudig:, Manor; Levi W. Groff, West Earl; H. M. Engle, Marietta; S. S. Kathvon, city; Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy ; Casper Hiller, Conestoga ; W. H. Brosius, Drumore ; Johnson Miller, Warwick; Wm. Mc- Comsey, city; L. N. Hunsecker, Eden; Joseph F. Witmer, Paradise ; Elias Becker, Warwick ; John Huber, Warwick ; David G. Swartz, city; Peter S. Keist, Litiz; John H. Landis, Manor; J. G. Kesh, Willow Street ; A. B. Grofl', W anil ;i. Mit. Mayer reported toMapco sold at low figures, and Webster L. Hersliey reported new erop seed beds had been sown. A number of buyers had visited tbeni but the prices they offered were too low. At I'etersburff lots were sold from liO down to 10, 8 and :i, and even less. Mr. Wasii.L. Hkrshey reported a s.ale of live acres of tobacco at 15, H and .'>. Three or four buyers had been inspeetintj tobacco but only one of them bought, and ho paid 7 cents in bulk. Auotlwr buyer bought at 10 and :i, 8 and li, 0 and :i, and some was brought to [^ancaster which sold at ti and if. Mr. Dully had 60 acres of tobacco for which he had re- fused 21-', 8 and .5 ; 'JO and .5 ; 18 and .") ; and 1.") and .'). Mr. Yeackr reported onc-thinl of their crop sold at prices ranirinp: from 19 down to Hi and 3. Mr. Johnston stated that the business was pretty brisk in the city, and prices ranged IVom 1.5 and .5 to 8 and ii. Mr. Kennedy said he lived near a station, and saw farmers going to the City with samples every day. They found that they had to have money, and would sell at any |)rice. There is so much of this business in Lancaster that the buyers do not find it necessary to run around the country. Mr. Landis reported a lot sold in this city to Rohrer as low as 2 and 4. A lot was sold at Oregon at 3 and 3. Referred Questions. " What variety of tobacco should be cultivated ?" had been referred to Mr. Landis, who answered that he could not answer the question very well, not hav- ing had enough experience. The Kentucky seed leaf, the Connecticut broad and narrow leaf, the Chest- nut leaf, the Pennsylvania seed leaf and other varie- ties each have their advocates, and he did not know which was best. In answer to a question by Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Teager described the chestnut leaf as having the leaves very close together, and very narrow ; would color dark. Mr. SniFFNER said the trouble was that farmers did not know how to distinguish the varieties of leaf. One man described Chestnut leaf as being wide, and another narrow ; one man said Pennsylvania leaf was brood and another narrow ; how are we to tell which is right ? The same thing happened with Florida leaf. Broad leaf Connecticut is the only leaf on which we can rely. He described the properties of a good leaf; when opened it must be elastic and stretch ; there must be no hardness ; it must have a silky back, with at the same time a good body; it ought to be broad and tapered. It will never get elastic if it is not grown right, and if well grown it can be hung any place and when taken down will be better than a poorly grown plant well hung. Slow growth makes leaves thick and leathery, and rapid growth makes them silky. He recommended ashes and gypsum to make tobacco grow rapidly. Webster L. Hershey told of a variety of tobacco that did not produce any suckers. " What is the best method of raising plants ?" had been referred to John Brady, who was not then present, but came in afterwards and said his plan was to plow deep in the fall, put on manure heavily, in the spring to rake it oil', put in the seed, cover it with hog bristles, cover with laths, and" he always raised the best early plants. Mr. Kennedy said a number of things were requisite. First was a warm situation, on the south or east side of the wall ; next that the ground is not allowed to bake too hard ; sow early. Mr. J. Hartman Hershey had hie fence very tight, 60 that the wind could be kept out of the yard, which had a southern exposure. He took three or four spoonfuls of seed, and mi.ved them with a half bushel coal sievings which he sowed over the whole bed two or three times. Then he presses the ground down with a spade. After this he puts bristles on and kept the ground moist. "Is early plowing good for the culture of tobacco ?" was referred to Harry M. Mayer, who answered in the affirmative. Mr. Wash. L. Hershey plowed both in spring and fall. Mr. Landis thought that working and pulverizing of the soil was highly beneficial. He had heard of a good crop being raised on laud from which an early crop of hay had been taken. Mr. J. Hoffman Hershey advised early plowing, as early as possible in the spring if not in the fall. Mr. Kendio also gave the same advice. If you wait till it gets late to plow, the ground gets rough. Plowing should be done as soon as the ground is dry enough to crumble. Mr. Yeager also gave the same advice. Mr. J. Hartman Hershey asked If he plowed now if it would be advisable to plow again about a week or two before he planted. Mr. Shiffner advised him not to plow again if he plowed now. The Visiting Committee. J. M. Frantz, chairman of the Visiting Commit- tee, reported partially, and on motion the committee was continued to make a fuller report. Business for Next Meeting. " When is it proper to plant tobacco ?" To Harry M. Mayer. " Should the diminution of the area now planted in tobacco be encouraged ?" tJeneral dlBcusslon. " Will it pay to pack and store tobacco at present low prices C To Washington L. Hershey. Adjourned. ^ LINN/EAN SOCIETY. A stated meeting of the Linna^an Society was held on Saturday, March liOth, the President, J. S. Stahr, in the chair. Seven members present. After at- tending to preliminary matters, the donations to the museum were found to consist of the mounted skele- ton of a turkey (Afclcagris gallopavn) per Mr. Geo. Flick. Oi. motion, a vote of thanks was given him. Branches of peach trees, one showing the excavations of a beetle like that of Scolytus or tomieus, per Mr. U. Smeych ; the other infested with the Lecaneum persicum or peach tree scale insect, per Mr. Gun- dakcr. Flowers of the Kuphorhia poinsetii, raised by Mr. Kathvon, the Nectaries overflowing with honey so as to drip profusely ; taste agreeably sweet. A large-sized oyster shell, densely incrusted with the tubular stony cases of the Serpula, per Mrs. Haines, of this city. Some Micaceous sand; the numerous glistening scales were deemed of mineral value by the finder, per "Charley." Two blown canary eggs, per S. M. Sener. Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, vol. xvii.. No. 100, .May to December, 1877 ; pamphlet containing list of surviving members of said society ; annual report, explorations and sur- veys in the Department of the Missouri, by E. H. liuffner, 1st Lieut, of Engineers, U. S. A., sent per Henry Landis, M. D., the corresponding secretary of the "Historical Society," of Reading, Pa., with a printed card asking reciprocal exchange. On motion, a vote of thanks was unanimously given to the so- ciety through their secretary, and the request agreed to. Mrs. Gibbons laid on the table No. 9 of the ./oKrart;, edited by Dr. Jos. Gibbons. The Lancaster Farmer, for March, 1878 ; January and February Nos. of Field and Forest ; four old newspapers, a list of Botanists, United States pamphlet, an old coin, and eight envelopes containing about seventy-flve clippings from papers of Biographical or Historical value, per Prof. S. S. Rathvon. No papers were read ; sundry verbal remarks were made on the honey dropping Euphorbea; query as to its use for bees ; also on the insects on the peach, by S. S. Kath- von ; J. Stauffer made some remarks about these parasitic AnelHdians found on sundry shells and other substances in the sea, with their tortuous stony-cases open at the free end, tapering to a point of attach- ment to the shell, in dense clusters, known as the genus Serpnla. Those are small ; some of the family attain a length of three feet in the exotic oceans. Reference was made to a meeting of members at the residence of J. Stauffer, on Friday evening, March 22, to consider the propriety of a change of rooms since the removal of the Athenaeum to the rooms of the Y. M. C. A. No action was taken then. A motion was now made and carried that the former committee appointed to confer with a similar committee of the Y. M. C. A. in regard to the third floor of their building on South Queen street, have plenerary power to make an arrangement mutually satisfactory, if that can be accomplished. Commit- tee on behalf of the Linnaean, S. S. Rathvon, Charles A. Heinitsh and Rev. J. S. Stahr. Four subscrip- tions were signed and given to circulate, granting a certificate of stock and other privileges to all who subscribe ?.5, in order to raise funds to furnish proper cases for the rooms. ?40 dollars were subscribed by members present. Mrs. P. E. Gibbons being about to leave on her mission to the Paris Exhibition, asked for and received a certificate of membership of this society, signed by the President, Rev. J. S. Stahr, and countersigned by the Recording Secretary, J. StaulTer. Under scientific miscellany various topics were discussed and suggestions offered. Adjourned to meet on the last Saturday in April. AGRICULTURAL. Pennsylvania Wheat Prospects. The later crop returns to the Prfts and the De- partment of Agriculture at Washington, for Penn- sylvania, show in the average of winter wheat an increase of 3 per cent., or lO:!, as compared with last year, the results of that period being accepted at 100. Winter rye stands 101, or an increase of 1 per cent, in acreage. The county in which the greatest increase of acreage of winter wheat is reported is Elk, which stands 1.50 or 5(1 per cent, above the acre- age of last year. Sullivan stands next at 125, and Fayette, Tioga, Erie and Clearfield at 120 ; Wayne at 115; Adams, Cameron, Cambria and York at 110; Chester at 105; Cumberland and Berks at 100. The greatest falling off in acreage of winter wheat Is shown in Monroe, which stands at 40 or 60 per cent.; next is Lehigh, 75; Montour, S5, and Columbia, 90. The remaining cereal producing counties of the State range from 100 to 105. The aggregate pro- duction of last year's crop was 18,000,000 bushels. Value of Special Manures. At the present time, when there Is so much effort to legislate on special manure matters. It Is well to consider fairly both sides of the question, that no In- justice may be done. It is not the intrinsic cost of the materials sold that gives them their value, but the nature of the soil Itself. A bushel of lime may not be worth twenty-flve cents, but It might be worth a dollar In Its effects on some erop, and the man who discovers this fact deserves some share In the extra seventy-flve cents over and above the first cost of the lime. But the tendency Is to take the market figures of the ingredients as the full measure of value, and to legislate accordingly. There is no doubt there Is mucli fraud in fertilizers. Some profess to give an article of great value that Is oidy brick dust and elay. If there is any way to pro- tect cultivators from these scandalous impositions It should by all means be done. In regard to the difference between the practical value and the commercial value of these manures, we are glad to see that the chemist of the State Depart- ment of Agriculture of North Carolina, holds the same views with us. In a recent letter Dr. Ledoux says : The nqriadtural value of a fertilizer Is measured by the benefit received from Its use, and depends upon its fertilizing efl'cct, or crop-produeing power. As a broad general rule it Is true that Peruvian guano, superphosphates, fish scraps, dried blood, potash salts, plaster, fie., have a high agricultural value which is related to their trade value, and to a' large degree detertnines the latter value. But the rule has many exceptions, and in particular Instances the trade value cannot always be expected to fix or even indicate the agricultural value. Fertilizing effect depends largely upon soil, crop and weather, and as these vary from place to place, and from year to year, it cannot be foretold or estimated ex- cept by the result of past experience, and then only in general or probable manner. Right Kind of Farm. Nearly every adult in the united countries Is more or less ac(juainted with that large properly situated about six miles out of the town, on the I'erth road and known as the Flint farm. It has for a number of years been owned by .Mr. Samuel .McCrea of this town, who has continued to rent it out from year to year, deriving from its rental quite a handsome amount. For the past four years it has been managed tiy .Mr. Frank McCrea, formerly from Mcrricksville, who has put it in the best possible condition, and has reaped from it some of the best crops ever raised in this section. This spring Mr. McCrea bought the farm out and out, paying for it the handsome sum of $25,000. Our reporter yesterday obtained from Mr. McCrea the following statistics in reference to this year's business on the farm, together with the quan- tity of land tilled. He has reaped and housed 125 tons of hay, 1,800 bushels of oats, 900 bushels of barley, 100 bushels of sjiring wheat, 900 bushels po- tatoes, 1,800 bushels of turnips and 100 bushels of peas. Fifty-four cows are kept on the place, the milk being sent to the factory, and during the best part of the season aggregating 0.50 pounds at each milking. Four hired men with seven horses do the work, and they are now engaged in putting In shape 50 acres of ground, which will this fall be sowed In rye. The farm comprises .500 acres, half of which (250 acres) Is in a g(X)d state of cultivation, and has upon it some of the best farm buildings in Canada. — JiockviUe {Onl.) Jiecord. The Oats Crop. Notwithstanding that so many consider the oats crop to be not so profitable as wheat, rye or corn. Its cultivation is on the Increase, and will continue so In the future, for as a rotation It possesses many advan- tages. Just now we do not hear much as to what there is new in oats. Latterly, since the exposure of the Ramsdell <.fe Co. swindle and the depreciation of the famous Norway there is little change. Our own opinion— whatever It may be worth — has all along been that the best variety of oats for a general crop Is that which has for a series of years been cultivated in any locality with uniform success. By selecting plump, bright, fully-matured seed, sowing It early and giving it fair cultivation, the result will Invari- ably give satisfaction If the season Is propitious. Buying new, untried, high-priced seed, we take addi- tional care in extending to the proihictlon of the crop far more attention than that usually bestowed ; and this Is one of the principal reasons In most cases, why these much-lauded varieties sometimes give very large yields for the first year or two. It has, too, become a well-established fact that imported i seed, whatever may be its reputation abroad, retains Its reputation only for two or three years here, when It is no better than our own old varieties. Hauling Manure. In drawing manure, I use no wagon box ; with two stout plank* for the bottom, and two wide boards for 62 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [April, the Bide pieces, the rigging is complete. Arriving in the field, take off a Bide-board, and with a potato hook, pull off enough manure for a heap, starting the team, another heap is made from the other side, and then one from each end, making always five and sometimes six heaps from the load. I rake off in heaps, because the manure is unloaded so much more rapidly than by pitching. If I had to pitch it over a wagon box, as is usually done, I should spread as I unloaded. It is in this raoid unloading that much of the saving is made. If the distance to draw is short, or the manure inconvenient to get at, I sometimes find it better to have two men to load. It is a material waste to allow horses to be idle while the manure is being spread. — Cor. Rural New Yorker. The Benefit of Lime. Although lime is found to be most beneficial the second and third years after its application, its effects are known to last much longer. The larger the crops, however, the sooner the lime (as well as other fertilizing matter contained in the land) becomes exhausted, and therefore the greater the advantage of its frequent application in smaller quantities, than a single application on a larger scale. It must he borne in mind, however, that the application of lime on land destitute of vegetable matter will do no good. There must be vegetable matter of some kind in the land for the lime to act upon before its bene- ficial effects can be seen. Or, as the poet expresses it; Lime aloue witliout manure Will make both laud and farmer poor, Bu' lime applied with good manure Makes wealth of land and farmer sure. Coal Ashes. Coal ashes as a fertilizer are said to be very bene- ficial for tomatoes and potatoes, and to a less extent peas and beans. Moreover, they improve tlie me- chanical condition of the soil, and are therefore es- pecially beneficial to clayey and rieid land generally. They should be worked in deeply and uniformerly in the proportion of, say, one part of ashes to two of mold. As it takes a long time to decompose them, their fertilizing properties are slow in action, but continuous. To obtain the best advantage from their use, some other kind of manure should be applied in conjunction with them. As there are seldom enough for field culture, the garden is the best place in which to use them, and inasmuch as they are generally considered more inconvenient refuse, all the advantage iecured from their use will be a clear gain. — Rural New Yorker. Bleaching Broom Corn. Broom corn is bleached after it has been properly dried, but before the brooms are made. It is only necessary to bleach the wrappers. In a small way this can be done in a hogshead or a dry goods box, capable of holding, say, enough for forty brooms. Punch a few holes in the bottom, place it over a de- pression in the earth containing an iron basin, in which is half a pound of sulphur for each bleaching. This can be readily melted by the application of a hot iron or otherwise. The corn should be wet before bleaching and spread out or hung up bo as to expose a large surface, and the receptacle should be covered with a piece of old carpet to confine the fumes of the burning sulphur. — Rural New Yorker. ^ Selecting Seed Corn. I have been improving my corn by selecting the first ears that get ripe, and this is my seventh year since I began this practice, always planting the largest and best developed ears. For the last seven years I have rejected the tips and butts of the ears, shelling off all grains that are not well developed. To-day I have as good, sound, well-developed ears as any man can raise, and filled to the very tip — so much so that there is no room for another grain. I have also made ray corn much earlier by gathering the first ears that get ripe. The reason why I reject the tip grains is this — they are not so well developed and will not come up so strong and make so rank a growth. HORTICULTURAL. Wheat in Australia. The Adelaide Obserrer tells us that the Australians think they can successfully compete with America in the grain markets of the world, if they can only keep ahead of America in the invention of labor- saving machinery. In the Austrian House of Depu- ties a member brought in a bill to award a " bonus " of $.0,000 for the invention of the best machine for reaping, cleaning and bagging wheat on the ground. Here is a chance for the Yankee — first, to make a clean 520,000, and still get his usual sales and profit in Liverpool besides. ^ More grass and less grain, more condensing of food on the farm should be the motto now. The plan of putting more of our idle acres into grass and of raising more live stock of a better quality will be a Btep in the right direction. Coal Ashes and Curculio. I have for several years saved my plums from the ravages of the curculio by the use of coal ashes. They become bo completely disgusted with it that they leave for other parts. Just so soon as blossoms fall I commence with my ashes. I take a bucketful of the ashes under my arm, and with the other hand I dash the ashes all over and through the trees, covering the plums completely with ashes, and go round every few days and give them anotlier dose. If the rain washes it off, I renew the dose and keep at it until my plums are ripe, when I am well paid for my trouble. I had, this year, eight bushels on seven small trees, which Isold for thirty-two dollars. I have several trees of the Rheine Claude variety upon which I did not use the ashes, because the plums were so scattering. I thought it would not pay, but there was one limb of one of those trees that was close to those I put the ashes on ; it got its share of ashes, and that limb ripened up all of its plums, but not a plum was there left on the other part of the tree or on any of the other trees of that variety. This was conclusive evidence to me that it was the ashes that saved my plums. When I first commenced the ashes, my brother told me that I would not succeed, that he made sure of saving his plums by placing a sheet underhis trees and shaking the little Turks off his trees, and catching them on the sheet and killing them. But when plums were ripe I had plenty and he had none. — Ohio Farmer. SoAPSUD water is an excellent liquid manure for some garden crops, especially for celery, which if applied every other day, during its growing season, the itocks will be crisp and of a mammoth ei2e. Celery. Sow seeds in a hot-bed or in cold-frame. As soon as the plants are about three inches high, transplant to a nicely-prepared bed in the border, setting them four or five inches apart. When some eight inches high , and fine stocky plants, set them in the trenches. Earth up a little during the summer, keeping the leaf stalks close together, so the soil cannot get be- tween them. Finish earthing up in autumn, and never hoe or earth up in moist weather, nor when plants are moistened with dew. To preserve celery for winter, dig trenches a foot in width, and a foot higher than the tops of the plants. Stand the celery in there erect, just as they grew, roots and all, and not crowded. Cover the trench with boards, and then leaves or straw. Turner's Incomparable Dwarf White, one of the very best varieties, growing stout, crisp and exceed- ingly fine nutty flavor. Sandringham Dwarf White, a new variety, gaining much popularity in Europe; produced by the gar- dener to the Prince of Wales ; solid, crisp, and of fine flavor. Boston Market, of low growth, somewhat branch- ing, white, crisp, and a favorite of the market gar- deners in the vicinity of Boston. Sealey's Leviathan, white, very large and solid, unsurpassed in flavor. Laing's Mammoth Red, fine flavor, large ; excel- lent keeper. ^ Peas. Peas should be put in as early as the soil can be got ready. Sow in drills not less than four inches deep, about a pint to forty feet. The drills must not be nearer than two feet, except for the lowest sorts. Those growing three feet high or more should not be nearer than three or four feet, and should have brush for their support. The large, fine wrinkled varieties are not as hardy as the small sorts, and if planted very early should have a dry soil, or they are liable to rot. It is best to sow the earliest peas just as soon as possible. They are hardy, and frost will not harm them. In about two or three weeks after make another sowing, a few more early, a good lot of sec- ond early and some for late crop. The second sowing of early comes in very handy. Vick's Extra Early, one of the best of the very early peas, of good quality, very early, productive and true. Carter's First Crop, earliest and quite productive ; height, 30 inche, and giving a large crop for so early a pea. Kentish Invicta, round, blue pea, and the earliest blue variety grown, as early as First Crop, excellent for ftimily or market ; two feet in height. Blue Peter, habit like Tom Thumb, but more robust, almost as dwarf, and immensely productive. It has proved the most promising of the new peas for the American grower. Pruning Dwarf Pears. A lady correspondent asks : " Will some one tell me how and when to prune dwarf pear trees ; if they muBt be washed at this time of year, and what to put round them to make them grow ; "We reply that they can be pruned at any time from now up to the first of March. If any of the wood is needed for grafting it can be stuck two or three inches in the ground, where it will be found to be in good condi- tion when the grafting season comes round. Prun- ing now and until spring reduces the extent of the tree and foliage and gives form ; but prUQiog or shortening-in in June will produce fruit-spurs for the following year. Mow to prune cannot always be ad- vised. Where the growth of this year has been ram- pant, cut back to within two or three inches of the old wood, and thin out some of the young wood. Your own judgment must direct you as to this, trees being so different in habit and growth. As to washing the trees, it ought to be done at once, with whale-oil soap and water — a pound of soap to a bucket of water — and scraped also if the)^ need it. A rich soil is all sufficient to make your trees grow. If not rich, give a good top-dressing of manure now, and care- fully fork-in in the spring. — Oertnantown Telegraph. Beans. Beans like a dry and rather light soil, though they will do well in any garden soil if not set out too early in the spring. Dwarfs are earliest and most hardy, as a general rule. Dwarf or Snap Beans. Early Rachel, the earliest, and very hardy ; desir- able as a string bean. Long Yellow Six-Weeks, one of the earliest ; an excellent and productive string bean. Wax or Butler, a popular variety wherever known; the pods a waxy yellow, solid, very tender and al- most transparent, stringless, seeds black when ripe. White Kidney or Royal Dwarf, one of the very best for shelling, either green or dry. Refugee, hardy abundant bearer, fiesh thick and tender ; one of the very best for pickling, on account of its thick flesh ; not very early, will produce pods fit for eating in about eight weeks. Broad Windsor, the celebrated Broad Bean of England, growing on a strong stalk, about two feet in height. Beans eatenshelled. Not very well adapted to our climate. Potato Planting. An Item in a French journal, sent us by Mr. Chrystie, relates to potato plantiner, and we translate it, with slight condensation, as follows : " It appears, as we read in the Universe, that to the present day we have never learned how to plant potatoes. We cut them in two and put them into deep trenches and fill in the earth over them. Now, the potato, being originally from Peru, needs warmth and air. To bury it in a cold, damp grave of this kind, says M. Calloigne, is to arrest its flight. Put it simply on a soil deeply plowed or spaded — say in '.iO-inch squares if the potato is cut, or in .30-inch squares if uncut — and cover it lightly with the hoe. It will soon pierce this slight covering, which both shelters and fertilizes it, and can then be hilled up as necessary. By following this method, by preventing sprouting until planting time, and then plunging it into lime-wash to destroy moibid principles, we may prevent the development of the disease, and raise a crop similar, if not superior, to those seen before the invasion of the rot, say eight or nine tons per acre . ' ' — Country Gentleman. Beautifying the Grass Plot. I should like to make a suggestion for the benefit of persons who purpose soon to plant their spring flower-beds. If a few seeds of the portulacca — as- sorted colors — be sprinkled about in the grass plot, you have no idea how the flowers will refresh the eye during the summer. I found this out by accident last year. Some seeds had blown away and dis- tributed themselves haphazard amid the grass; and all through the hot season, when bright contrasts are so grateful to the eye of sweltering and apethetic humanity, I was refreshed and delighted with the little dots of vivid yellow, red, white and purple peeping up between the spires of my green, plush- like lawn. ■ ^ • Running Beans. Large Lima, the most buttery and delicious bean grown. Plant in a warm, sandy soil, if possible, not too early. London Horticultural, or Speckled Cranberry, a round speckled bean, tender for snap beans, and ex- cellent for shelling. Giant Wax, thick fleshy, creamy yellow, waxy- looking pods, very tender and excellent as a snap bean ; productive, keeping in bearing a very long time ; seeds red, and rather tender. Scarlet Runner. This is the favorite snap bean of Europe, and nothing else will sell as soon as this appears in market. It is often planted in rows and allowed to run on the ground. Asparagus. Young asparagus shoots are fit for use In the spring, when a few inches high. Sow the seed in drills, about one inch deep, and rows about a foot apart. Keep the soil mellow and free from weeds during the summer, and in the fall or succeeding spring the plants may be set out in beds, about a foot apart each way, leaving the crown of the root about four inches below the surface. Before winter, cover the bed with a dressing of manure. Pur- chasing roots instead of seed wUl save a year in tliiM< im.i THE LANCASTER FARMER. 63 DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Preserving Fence Posts. The JonnutI of Forestry pives some e.xcellent in- etriictions on this subject. It is important that the poets be very thoroushly seasoned before external paints are applied, otlierwise tlie moisture will be confined and increase the decay. It is tlicrcl'ore ini- portant to season the posts as rapidly as practicable after they arc cut, in an exposed windy place. Coat- ine them then with coal tar is especially recom- mended. The acid in the tar is to t)e destroyed with fresh quicklinu', and the lar thoroughly boiled to evaporate all the water. Apply it to the posts while hot. The recommendalion of that journal to char the posts we cannot endorse, as the charred part will be made weaker, and will not exclude water from the inside. A thick coat of well-applied gas-tar would be far better. But bakini; the wood so as to turn it sliirhtly brown, would not render it weaker, and would {rive it some of the durable properties of charcoal ; and if the coal tar is then applied, the preparation will be nearly perfect. It must be re- membered that coal tar does not do well on wood above ground, exposed to the sun and weather. A copious application of crude petroleum is the thing for such exposed surfaces. Which is Richest, Morning's or Evening's Milk? This sulijcct has now been put to the test of chemi- cal analysis, and the result is that the evening's milk is found to be the richer. Professor Boedeker analyzed the milk of a healthy cow at ditfcrent periods of the day. The Professor found that the solids of the evening's milk (1:5 per cent.) exceeded those of the morning's milk (10 per cent.), while the water con- tained in the fluid was diminished from 89 per cent. to S6 percent. The fatty matter gradually increases as the day progresses. In the morning it amounts to ■ "% P^f cent., at noon .3'^ per cent., and in the eve- ning 5:^^ per cent. The practical importance of this discovery is at once apparent ; it develops the fact that while 10 oz. of morning's milk will yield but \i 01. of butter, about double the quantity can be ob- tained from the evening's milk. The casein is also increased in the evening'.-^ milk from l^Vo to *i% per cent., but the albumen is diminished from ■t4-100ths per cent, to Kl-lUOths per cent. Sugar is least abun- dant at midnight {i'^ per cent.) and most plentiful at noon (4Ji per cent.) The percentage of the salt undergoes almost no change at any time of the day. — Canada Globe. Profitable Butter Making. Charles C. Knight, of Northampton, Berks county, writes to the Doyleslown Jiitelligencer the following results of the production of his dairy for the year 1877 : " I did not keep any account of calves. We raised one, and the others I kept until they were five and six weeks old, and then sold them to the butchers. Mine is a dairy of twelve cows, one being two years old, with her first calf. The record of butter made per month is as follows : January, .58 pounds; February, 90 pounds; March, 2i;0 pounds; ■April, '222 pounds ; May, 280 pounds ; June, o.W pounds; July, '26.5 pounds; August, S50 pounds; September, '..95 pounds ; October, 287 pounds ; No- vember, ^23 pounds ; December, 158 pounds. There is no account of butter kept at home lor the use of a large family, making a total for the year of 2,817 pounds sold, and averaging about 235 pounds per cow, making a total income of $1,230. .50; average per cow, $102.. 50 for the butter. IThe cows are mixed Alderney and Durham. Friend Woodward states that if he could have sold his calves lor §.50, then his cows would be a long way ahead, but now 1 think he is not so far ahead, though I will admit that my cows had good care." Rats and Harness. It is stated on good authority that a teaspoon of Cayenne pepper mixed in a quart of oil and rubbing the harness with the oil, will etlectually protect it against the gnawing of rats. It is also said that an ounce of aloes to one gallon of oil will attord the same protection. Our remedy heretofore has been, and we have never known it to fail, to hang the har- ness up so that no rats cau molest it. But as some people are careless in this respect the reil pejiper and the aloes and oil remedy had better be adopteil. A friend at our elbow says carbonic acid is a sure remedy. *• How a Water-Pipe May be Cleaned. A correspondent of Forreitt ajid Streajn telle of a novel method employed to cleanse a two-inch water- pipe which had become choked up with mud. A string was passed through a hole punched in the tail of a email eel which was straightway put into the pipe. An occasional jerk reminded the eel that it was incumbent on him to advance, which he did, arriving at the lower end of the pipe » ith the string. A bunch of rags was lied to the string, and thus the pipe wa» cleauted. Household Receipts. SrRAMni.En Eggs. — Six eggs, one colTee cup of milk, one teaspoonful of butter, one teaspoonful ol' Hour, and salt. Beat the eggs very light, rub the butter and Hour together, add this to the milk alter it has been placed on the stove and become a little warm, salt to taste, add the eggs and cook until the whites are cooked, then serve while hot, or with toast . Blanc-Manoe. — Set on one quart of rich cream with five ounces of fine white sugar and a few drops of extract of vanilla or any other llavoring preferred. Whip it to a stilf froth. After soaking one ounce of isinglass or gelatine in one pint of cold water, for a half hour, let it simmer on embers until perfectly dissolved, stirring from time to time to prevent the gelatine (rom sticking to the bottom of the sicwpaii and burning. When lukewarm pour the cream sUnvly in, beating it all the time, until etilf enough to drop from a spoon, then put in molds previously dipped in cold water. CuANiiKRiiY wiNi!, taken internally and applied externally, is announced as a cure for scr-oftila. To make the wine take the ripe berries, mash them in a mortar to a fine pulp, put it in a stone jar, and add one quart of water to two quajts of berries ; stir it well ; set away and let it stand a week ; then strain it through cotton, and you have a bcautil'ul wine, which, with a little sugar, makes a wholesome drink, at once cooling and palatable. It does not ferment. Appi.K Cake. — Two cups of etewed dried apples boiled in two cups of molasses. Drain oil the mo- lasses (for the cake) from tlie apples; add two eggs, two teaspoons of soda, four cups of flour, one cup ol butter, one cup of eour milk. Spice of all kinds. Then add the apple (which was drained as above). The app'es should be soaked the night before stew- ng for the cake. Choice Cookies. — Two eggs, two cupfuls white sugar, one cupful butter, one-third cupful sweet milk, two teaspoonfuls cream tartar, one teaspoonful soda, one-half nutmeg. Cream Ckackehs. — One pint of cream, six eggs, a little salt, flour enough to form a stiff dough . Beat the eggs very light, mix all the ingredients together, and pound the dough half an hour. Koll out thin, cut into any fancy shape, and bake in a moderate oven. The Japanese method of cooking rice is to pouron just enough water to i)revent the rice from burning at the bottom of the pot, which has a close-fitting cover, and with a moderate fire, the rice is steamed rather than boiled until it is nearly done; then the cover is taken off, the surplus steam and moisture allowed to escape, and the rice turns out a mass of snow-white kernels, each separate from the other, and as much superior to the soggy mass we usually get in the United States as a fine mealy potato is superior to the water-soaked article. To Cleanse Woodwork Around Doors. — Take a pail of hot water, throw in two tablespoons- ful of pulverized borax ; use a good coarse house- cloth — an old coarse towel does splendidly — and wash the painting; do not use a brush ; when wash- ing: places that are extra yellow or stained, soap the cloth, then sprinkle it with dry powdered borax, and rub the places well, using plenty of rinsing water; by washing the woodwork in this way you will not remove the paint, and the borax will soften and make the hand white, a fact well worth knowing. The uses of borax in domestic economy are numer- ous ; and one of the most valuable in its employment to aid the detergent properties of soap. To Purify a Sink. — In hot weather it is impossi- ble to prevent sinks from beeoming foul, unless some chemical is u.sed. One pound of copperas dissolved in four gallons of water, poured over a sink three or four times, will completely destroy the offensive odor. As a disinfecting agent, to scatter around the premises affected with an unpleasant odor, nothing is better than a mixture of four parts of fine char coal, by weight. All sorts of glass vessels and other utensils may be eU'ectually purified from ollensive smells by rinsing them with charcoal powder, after the grosser impurities have been scoured off with sand and soaj). How to Keep Bacon Hams. — Place them in some dry place until the outside becomes thoroughly dry ; then put them into a stout paper sack, tie them up tight, and bury them in ashes, the deeper the better. The meat will keep sweet for an indefinite time. Some bury their bacon in oats, grain, salt, bran, etc., but ashes are far the best. For curing ua.ms, a good authority, recommends the following receipt : One cup of molasses ; one cup of fine salt ; about a teaspoonful of saltpetre pounded fine ; cloves, allspice, cinnamon to suit taste. Mix well together; place the ham in a wooden bowl or other dish and rub the mixture over the surface, repeating the process once a day for a month. Then smoke it for a lew hours only. Salt for Bedbugs. — To get rid of bedbugs, wash the room and the furniture of the room they fre- quent with salt water, filling the cracks with salt, and you may look in vain for them. Salt seems inimical to bedbugs, and they will not trail through it. I think it prelerable to all ointments, and the buyer requires uo cerlillcate ae to its genuinenvst. LIVE STOCK. Lancaster County Beef. About four or five weeks since we transferred troja the Lancaster Kxaiui'ier, to our agricullural column, an article on the above subject, which lias excited a good deal of Intereet among our farmers, as they arc now giving more attention, as is done In Lancaster county, to the feeding of cattle, than heretofore. One of these farmers is so much Interested on the subject as to ilesire adilitional Information, and haa re(juested us to ask the editor of the Kramiiier, who contributed the first article, the following questions, answers to which will, doubtless, be as useful to the readers of that paper as our own : How is corn led — whether chopped cob and all, or shelled ? Is oats or millstuff mixed with the corn or not! How often a day are the cattle fed) The great troulile is to get them to eat a suflficlcnt quantity without surfeit. Is anything fed to stimulate the appetite I At what age arc cattle the best feeders? — Hagert- toit'n Mail. Not only has the article above referred to attracted attention abroad, but to many of our own citizens the magnitude of the value and number of beeves fed in this county was a new revelation. The feed- ing of the present season exceeds that of any previ- ous year by several thousand head. We shall answer the questions asked by the Mail, as beet we may, In the hope that the information will be of Intereet not only to our friends in Maryland, but ae well to our readers nearer home. Corn is not fed, cob and all, by any of our farmera most extensively engaged in jireparing prime cattle for Philadelphia and New York markets. Chopped shelled corn mixed with oats ormilletufT, in the proportion of one bushel of the latter to three of the former, and thoroughly wet up with warm water, is given. To make a variety of food for the cattle the dry corn, unmixed, Is occasionally fed, which plan is found useful in stimulating the appe- tite and obviates the necessity for any artificial stimulants. The general practice Is to feed three times a day, at regular intervals — say at R A. M., 12 M. and 6 P. M. When cattle are first tied up lour quarts are given at each feeding, with hay and corn fodder (luring tlie night and between meals. The quantity Is increased from four quarts to eight during the six or eight months required for fattening. The greatest care is taken not to give an overdose of feed, as It will frequently cive cattle a backset from which they will not recover for a week or ten days. Water is usually given but once a day now, the moisture In the chopped feed being taken into consideration. Many of those who feed the largest number have in- troduced water into their barne, and after they have tied their cattle up in the fall never turn them out til! they are sold. Before stabling it is very desirable to pasture for a few weeks, giving the cattle once or twice a day a few quarts of Ijran and chojiped corn, and salt to lick. This rests them after a long drive or ride in the cars, and gives them a good start for the strong feeding that awaits fhem. The best age for fattening is from four to five years, though some three-year olds turnout very well. Fattening a Calf. Mr. Editor : My principal object in this article is to show the farmers and others that they can raise or even vean their calves without giving them the new milk fresh from the cow. The best food to fatten a calf witlioiU whole milk is oil-meal, molasses and ekim-milk for the first two weeks, after which a little oat or barley meal may be used. A calf can be made to weigh on • hundred and twenty to one hundred and forty poun^ls at four weeks old, never having had any new milk after the cow's milk was good. The oil-meal should be scalded and aUowed to form a thick mucilage ijcfore being mixed with the skimmed milk. Tlie molasses may be added directly to the milk, and the whcde nniy be given blood-warm. The proper quantity for a young calf Is a tablcspoonful of oil-meal, the same of molasses, divided iito three parts for one day's feed, added to the milk. After the first week it may be gradually increased, and at the commencement of the third week a spoonful of oil-meal and molasses may be given to each feed ; a quart of boiling water being turned on to the meal over night, and also In the morning to form a mucilage, and a spoonful of oat or barley meal may be added, but this should be cooked. At present prices, the whole feed will not cost more than one dollar for five weeks, and an early calf of the weight mentioned will bring from ten to twelve dollars. I raised one late in the season two years ago, by the above method, that cost lees than one dollar for feed, aside from the skimmed milk, that brought nearly ten dollars. Should they have scours, give them a tea made by boiling corn- cobs In water and add to the milk. I saw this article sonic years ago in some paper and cut it out and pasted it in a book, and having I tried it I send it to the ficrmaiilown J'clegrnph, and I may Ite readers be benefited as well. — Mr$, W, H. 0,, I Yalet County, jV, Y, 64 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [April, 1878. Wind Sucking. Wiud sucking, stump sucking and crib biting are all one and the same habit, and, in some instances, are the manifestations of a disease ; in others, the habit may have been acquired from old and con- firmed crib biters. Some veterinarians attribute 'it to a distortion of the teeth, which have become worn away on their interior edge so as to show more or less of the yellow instead of the enamel. Professor Law says: " These worn teeth are associated with the serious vice of wiud sucking (swallowing) and eructicatiou, which leads to tympany, digestive dis- order and rapid loss of condition. The horse seizes the manger or other solid object with his teeth, arches and shortens the neck, and makes a grunting noise. The wind sucking may exist without crib biting. It may be learned by standing idle near a crib biter, and always goes on to disease and loss of condition." The same authority prescribes the fol- lowing treatment : " Smear the front of the manger with aloes or other bitters ; cover all exposed wood- work with sheet-iron ; muzzles may also be put on after the horse has done feeding." Other equally good authorities recommend putting a lump of salt and one ol white chalk or magnesia in a box before the horse, and keeping these constantly within reacli. As we have said, the habit may be learned, but, in most instances, it may be considered as a kind of dyspepsia, and the burning acidity of the stomach prompts the horse to get relief by sucking in cool air. The salt and magnesia or chalk afl'ord a similar momentary relief, and frequently lean to a permanent cure. ^ Thoroughbred Sheep. A farmer who has only kept the common sheep of the country can scarcely be convinced of the loss he sustains from year to year. He will tell you that they do not average much above two and a half pounds of wool per head ; whereas the Merino and Cotswold, either separately or by crossing, will pro- duce an average of from seven to nine pounds of much superior wool, and selling for a much higher price. They are more beautiful animals than the common, it costs no more to keep them, their car- casses for the market are even more valuable, and they are as prolific or more so than the common kind. Hence they are three times the profit of the ordinary sheep, and in almost every respect to be preferred ; yet we see the general farmer continue from year to year to rear the animals which are of so little profit. It is true that the first cost of the thoroughbreds is much greater, but it is not recommended that a be- ginning be made on a large scale. Three of each of the Merinos and Cotswold would be enough to start with, as in a few 3 ears they would multiply to a con- siderable flock, and allow of sales that would soon cover the original expense. Will not farmers generally consider this sugges- tion? We ask tliem, on the ground that every farmer does or ought to keep a few sheep upon his premises, as they are the best enrichers of the land that have yet been discovered. Lice on Cattle. Some two weeks ago an old negro on the planta- tion told me to tie a cotton string about the size of a very small plough line around each one's neck, and to tar it well before putting it on ; but the remedy seemed so silly and nonsensical that I treated it with disdain. He, liowever, to convince me, caught a very lousy calf and placed the tarred string about his neck, and with an exultant shake of the head bid me await further developments. To-day he brings up the calf and bids me look for myself and see his triumph. To my surprise nearly every louse had disappeared. He says the lice travel toward the head, get to the tarred string, mount it, and then, .confused or stifled, ignominiously give up the battle and tumble to the ground. — Cvnntry Oentleman. Abortion in Cows. The milkmen near Boston have found a satisfac- tory remedy in the use of lime. They give it to the cows by sprinkling a spoonful at a time over their food, two or three times a week ; or sometimes they sprinkle lime among the hay as it is stowed away in the barn. A neighbor of mine who keeps about twenty cows, and who was formerly much troubled by abortion among his herd, informs me that for the last three years, since he has made use of lime, he has not had a case, and that very many of his ac- quaintance have had similar experience with their herds. Whether the well-known lack of lime in our Massachusetts soil has anything to do with this is an interesting question for the man of science. — Massa- chusetts Plonijhrnmi. Iowa had 1,3.5-1,608 sheep in 1867, valued at $2,000,0000. In 1877 it had only 318,439 sheep, as- sessed at §34.5, 8:i7. This is progressing backward in wool-raising. In 18C7 Iowa had 77,612 head of swine, valued at Si,4S3,000. In 1877 they had increased to 1,654,708, more than double the number, valued at $3,89y,301. Evidently the Hawkeyes prefer hogs to sheep. LITERARY AND PERSONAL. Church's Musical Visitor for March. — Among the features of special interest in Church's Musical Visitor for March, the new " Lifeof Chopin" claims the attention of musical people, and the arti- cles on *' Expressive Piano Playing," and " Fredriech Wieck, the great Music Teacher," are no less inter- esting. This number also gives full particulars con- cerning the approaching great Cincinnati May Musi- cal Festival, and a good description of the new organ, which will be dedicated on that occasion. The edi- torials, correspondence and short notes are unusually entertaining, and the music pages give a very liberal supply of late music, both easy and difficult. Among the latter the " Sketch of Festival Ode," will interest musicians. It is from the work by Otto Singer, which has been written for the opening of the new Cincinnati Music Hall, and of which the critics have been lavish with praise. The ballad entitled "Re- gret," by J. A. Butterfield, is also remarkably fine. This number also contains " When the Grass Grows Over Me," song and chorus, by D. C. Addison; " Golden Leaflet Schottische ;" "The Last Leaf," by Jas. McGranahan, and "Ripple, Little Brooklet," quartet, by C. C. Case. This is a large quantity of good music to be in a single number of a magazine costing only 1.5 cents, or ?1.50 for a whole year. If bought at any music store, the same music would cost fully §2.00. Every subscriber to the Visitor also receives a valuable premium, free. Send stamp to the publishers, John Church & Co., Cincinnati, 0., for particulars. The Co-operative Employment Bureau of the Bowery Branch, T. M. C. A., 134 Bowery, New York, have opened a register of farms, offered for rent or sale, in Eastern, Middle and Southern States. No fee or commission will be charged for entry on the register, the object of which is to place within reach of those desiring farms, the means of informa- tion which shall enable them to make judicious selections without the inconvenience or expense of consulting land agents. The register will be opened to all wishing to rent or purchase farms. It is hoped by this effort, that many intelligent emigrants of means may have their attention called to cheap and desirable farms in these States, and thus be led to purchase where they may have society, schools and churches. No fee or commission will be charged for examining the register. Information of farms for sale or rent, should state number of acres, tillage, woodland and orchard, with description of soil and improvements, springs, wells and buildings, and terms of sale ; also state any incumbrance. Name and post-office address should be very plainly writ- ten. Male help of any kind may be had by applica- tion at the same office. Address Rev. John Dooly, No. 134 Bowery, New York. Tobacco in Virginia and North Carolina. — Some observations in .connection with the several types of tobacco now produced in these two States — including Dr. Volker's examination of our fine yel- low tobacco — and on the introduction of a new type, namely, cigar tobacco. Presented by the Southern Fertilizing Company, Richmond, Va. An octavo pamphlet of 40 pages. Office, 1321 Cary street. This pamphlet contains a full and interesting discus- sion of the tobacco plant as an article of trade and commerce, as well as its culture, in which a high compliment is paid to the tobacco of Lancaster county. Mr. A. C. Libhart's essay on Tobacco culture, which was published by this company last year, is re- issued in this pamphlet, which is a highly compli- mentary endorsement of its rare excellence. The work contains a map of the Jurassic and Triassic Rocks of Virginia. Takino "time by the forelock." Here we already have the Premium List, with the "Rules and Regu- lations of the Ninth Annual Fair of the Montana Agricultural, Mineral and Mechanical Association," to commence at Helena, Montana, on Monday, Sep- tember 23rd, 1878, and to continue six days. A 12mo. pamphlet of about 50 pages, about 20 of which are devoted to the general list of premiums, 10 to special premiums, and 20 to advertisements. The general premiums are very reliable, and are equally dis- tributed ; for instance, the highest premium for a horse is $25, and the best bushel of wheat $15. But the most noted feature is the special list, by artizans, producers and manufacturers outside of and inde- pendent of the Society, some of which are $40 and $50, one hundred per cent, higher than the highest offered by the Society. This seems to be an encourag- ing movement. The Artificial Flower Guide, conducted by J. Loewenstein. A semi-annual magazine, devoted to information on the uses of artificial flowers for the toilet, decorative and all other purposes. Price, 20 cents. Published by the Parisian Flower Company, No. 28 East Fourteenth street. New York ; No. 9 Rue de Clery, Paris. A square 12mo. of fifty pages, in paper covers and most elaborately illustrated and embellished with thirty-five splendidly executed en- gravings. Embracing bridal appointments and veils, floral garnitures for balls and evening costumes ; vases, stands, hanging groups, brackets, terra-cotta ornaments, &c., &c., together with full instructions io the art, the meaning, the sentiment and the philoso. phy of artificial flowers and their relations to our social and conventional customs — ornamental and useful. High Farming Without Manure. — Six lectures on agriculture, delivered at the Experimental Farm at Vincennes, by M. George Ville, Professor of Vegetable Physiology at the Museum of Natural History, Paris, France. Published under the direc- tion of the Massachusetts Society for the Promotion of Agriculture. Boston: A. Williams & Co., 283 Washington street, corner of School street. This is a handsome 12mo. of 108 pp. , in paper covers, and between those covers is condensed a vast amount of analytical and statistical information on subjects relating to the farm and farming, embracing the fundamental principles of plant development, and the means of facilitating that development, through the aid of science ; acknowledging agriculture as a scientific problem, and manipulating it on that basis. Something for progressive farmers. Report of the services of the Centennial meet- ings of the "Church of God," held by authority of the General Eldership, in the Bethel of the Church of God, corner of Germantown avenue and Berks street, Philadelphia, Pa., July 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 1S76. J. F. Weishempel, ji.. No. 360 West Baltimore street, under the Eutaw House, Baltimore, Md. A pamphlet, of 8 pages octavo, of interest and use. Sometimes poor "human mortals," in attempting "to take the kingdom of heaven by force," inadver- tently ignore the " kingdom of earth," and through a mistaken zeal or a false aspiration, that which ought to have been done to-day is, for selfish ends, deferred until to-morrow. Through an unfortunate discussion, in which everybody was right and nobody wrong, the printing of this pamphlet was greatly delayed, but "better late than never." Something Good and True. — We call the special attention of the readers of The Farmer to the card of Mr. C. H. Anderson, in the advertising columns of this number of our journal, not only as someth- ing new, but also something "good and true." The intrinsic merits of the "Iron Stone," as a water and drain pipe, are sufficient of themselves to recom- mend this miiterial to the confidence of the public. Mr. Anderson is so respectably endorsed by those who have used the " Ardenbeim Iron Stone Pipes," and is socially so highly connected in this county, that we believe our farmers may repose the utmost confidence in him, especially as through the superi- ority of his wares he has been enabled to build up a flourishing business-. Pamphlets and Catalogues. — Recipes for the use of "Kingsford's Oswego Corn Starch," or pre- pared corn, manufactured by Kingsford & Son, Oswego, New York. Also, instructions in carving and other useful recipes. 12mo. 64 pp. Contains many gems in culinary preparations, which seem only an aggravation in the absence of the where- withal to provide them. The most satisfactory catalogues that have reached our table are the price lists of green-house and bed- ding plants, fruit and ornamental trees and plants, small fruits, bulbs, &c. (by mail). Grown and for sale by Edward J. Evans & Co., nurserymen, seeds- men and florists, York, Pa. Names in bold type, alphabetically and scientifically arranged, with specific prices attached. Large stock — great variety. The First Annual Report of the Connecti- cut Agricultural Experiment Station. — From the report of the Secretary of the Board of Agricnl- ture. A royal octavo of 108 pages. In which the subject of manures and fertilizers is most ably and elaborately discussed, showing that the State has emerged from the era of "horn gun-flints" and "wooden cucumber seeds," and is developing the practical and useful. Nothing has yet emanated from any similar organization in Pennsylvania of the same practical character. Our readers will please notice the change of loca- tion in the advertisement of the Mendelssohn Piano Co., of New York. They have opened new and splendid warerooms for their matchless Pianos at No. 21 East Fiftepnth street, between Broadway and Fifth ave, near Union Square, opposite Tiffany's, the great diamond and jewelry house, in tlie heart of the Piano and Music business, and amongst the most fashionable trade of the metropolis. Benson, Burpee & Co.'s Illustrated and De- scriptive Catalogue of Garden, Field and Flower Seeds, for 1x78, embracing select lists of the choicest and most valuable varieties in caltiva- tion, both home grown and cultivated ; all of the highest quality — fresh and reliable. Also, a choice selection of small fruits, plants, trees and bulbs ; agricultural implements and thoroughbred live stock. No. 233 Church street, PbUadelpbia', Pa. Annual Catalogue for 1878, containing a list of garden, field and flower seeds, together with prices and cultural directions. Published annually by Price & Knickerbocker, successors to V. R. Douw & Co., importers, growers and wholesale dealers in seeds, agricultural and horticultural implements, vanes, vases and garden requisites, 80 pages, 8v. In ornamental paper covers, elaborately illustrated. No. 80 State street, Albany, New York. THE LANCASTER FARMER' IM. A NEW BOOK FOR FARMERS. "CarrotB, MangoklR and Siifiar Beot^. Wbiit kindH to raise, how to raiRe, and how to feed." Hy nmil, ;to cents. Alao, my tliree workH, on "OabbiiKPH, and How to Grow Thera," ''StiuaBhes, and How to Grow Them," •' Onlon§, aud How to Grow Them." Full of ju'»t such minute details as farmers want. Each, 30 conts, by mail. My large illus- trated Seed Catalogue/rce to all. JAMES J. H. GREGORY, I0-3-2ni1 Mnrl>I<-lie»6 per week iu jour own town. You need not be away from home over night. You can give your whole time to the work, or only your spare moments. It costs nothiuB^O try the business. Terms aud $5 Outfit free. Address at oficc, H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine. 9-3-ly Flower Seeds. Bulbs. Do not send from home for your Flower and Vegetable Seeds, Japan Lilies, Tuberoses, Gladiolus, Cannas, Caladi- tims, Dahlias, and other Summer Flowering Bulbs and Boots, but go to . SIG. W. HEINITSH, At BeinltHh'8 Dra^ fitorr, 16 F.nst tUng St., vho his received a lar^e supply from the best :ind most reliable growers iB the country. CATALOGUES FREE ON APPLICATION. Subscriptions taken for the I.ADIEN' FLORA I. l'ABI>'ET and VICK'N FLOKAL. itfOXTIILY. 10-3 2m S125 A MONTH ANI> EXPENSES toAgrentfla Send stamp for terms, b. C.FoBTKU Jt Co.,ClnclnDatl,0. ABE PLANTED BS A MILLION PEOPLE IN AMEBICA. SbE Vick'a Catalogue, — 300 Illustrations, only 2 cents, Vick's Illuatrated Monthly Magazine,— 32 pages, fine Illustrations, aud Colored Plate in each number. Price, $1,26 a year ; Five copies for $5.00. Vick'a Flower and Vegetable Garden, 50 cents in paper covers ; with elegant cloth covers $1.00. All my publications are printed in English and German, Address, JAMES VICK, Rochester, N. Y. Siili TREES AND PLAnTS l^IS Apple Treee, 15c. each: Ntandard Pear, 40c. each ; Dwarf Pear 30c. each. Strawberries, Rasp- btrriett, and Graps Vines by the doz., 100, 1,000, or 10,000. All goods packed and delivered at depot without extra charge. Price-lut free. Address 8. C. DeCOU, Mo«Bia- TOWN. Burlington Co., N. J. [lO-3-lm. p AT ^ Any worker can innkefri a day at home. ToBtly 10-'J-ly< I Outfit free, Addrcsa TnuE &, Co., Augusta, Mo. ^^•^ BEECROFT'S WHEEL HOE. Prices Cii really Rediiceil for 187»i. This is one of the greatest labor saving machines InveHt- ed, it is substantial, made from the best material, is dura- ble and light, weighing but Ifl pounds. Knives to cut any widtli, from 6 to 15 inches. It has given perfect satisfaction wherever used. Beecroft's Hand Weeder (see cut at)Ove). ' This ifl an indispensable implement In a garden whore a hoe caimot be used. Price List and descriptive Catalogue sent free. THOS, JACKSON, 10-3-lm Manufacturer, Portland, Me* EDW. J. ZAHM, UBALHH IN AMERICAN AND FOREIGN WATCHES, SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARK CLOCKS, JEWELRY! TABLE CUTLERY. Solo Agent for the Arundel Tinted SPECTACLES. Repairing strictly attended to, North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Fa. 9-4-1 y $66 a week in your own town. Terms and $5 outfit free. Address H, Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine. 10-'2-ly* Kansas lands. We own and control the Railway lands of TREGO COUNTY, KANSAS, about equally divided by the Kau- Bas Pacific Railway, which we are Belling at an average of $3.25 per acre on "easy ternie of payment. Alternate Bee- tlons 01 Government lauds can be taken as homesteads by actual settlerp. These lands lie in the GREAT LIMESTONE BELT of Central Kansas, the best winter wheat producing district of the United States, yielding from 20 to 35 bushels per Aere. The average yearly rainfall in this county is nearly 33 iiielies per annum, one-third greater than in the much-extolled Arkansas Valley, which has a yearly rain- fall of less than '23 inches per annum in the same longitude. Stoek Railing: and Wool-Clrowing: are very Keniunerati\'e. The winters are short aud mild. Stock will live all the year on grass ! Living Streams and Springs are numerous. Pure water is found in wells from '20 to 60 feet deep. The Health- iest t'liniate iu the World ! No fever and ague there. Members of our firm reside at WA-KEENEY, and will show lands at all times. A pamphlet, giving full Information iu regard to soil, climate, water sujiply, kc, will be sent free on request. Address, WARRKK. KEENRY * CO., 104> f»<>arborn Nt., Chicago, 10-4-lm] or Wa-Keeney. I'reiro to., KnnsaN. $1 per 1,000 and upwards, for Seedlings of Shade and Tmiber Trees. A surplus of young trans- planted EVERtiREENM, CONCOKD GRAPE VINES, ETC. Send for Price List. Address, J. JENKINS, 10-2-»m] Grape and Seedling Nursery, WINONA, Columbiana County, Ohio. GRACE'S SALVE. A VoKCtftblf* Preparation, invented In the 17tb century by Dr. AVlUiam (irace. Surgeon in King James' army. Through its agency he cured thousands of the most serious sores and wounds, and was regarded by all who knew him as a public benefactor. 25c. a box, by mail 30c. For a*lo by druggists generally. AGENTS WANTED. Addre«i SITE W. fOWLI t SOSS, loita, Ktn. t-l*-6m PEDIGREE ONION SEED. Danvers Oulnn Hfed, ratJif^^ /rt>m the rhoirrat onions of each crop far fi/ly year^ in Huceefhiun .' The difference la the crop will 1»- ten times greater than the cott of the aevd. My He«d Catalogue free to all. 10-3.2ml JIMES J. If. «RE«ORT, n a r l> 1 4> li 4- M«l . n HHA . 2Cnn nnn '•■''■""•'"'"•v. «"«;.;»rrr//, Waeh- i/uti, ItufttM, I'fiirh 'lrrfM,ftv ]0<» Nfr'.I.F.t'TKIl VA- ItlK'riKK. (ir*'at Afw viean Ntruwherrieti. I.argeak and bcHt. IJfrrii-s 2 oz. each. 9 in. around. Itv mull lO for 81: loo tor 85; I.OOO for 840. Hitii*,tt Albany, fhas, J>otftiinff, Mumirch of the IVrnt, Kentucky, finen i'mli/ir, 82 pir I.OOO ; t'nptt. Jtirh, i uinbm^ land Triufiiph, Sterling, Jtteuntfa, 85 per l.OOO. ALIj pure. Catalogue free. Cut this out. l{V-2-3ml Moorestfiwn, Nr-w Ji-rsey. Use The Buffalo Honest Fertilizer! )\jl\U IJUI iJll I \\\JiJ And Pare Clround Bone. The purity of these goods is guaranteed, and their ■tknd- ard proved by regular analysis -ut I'rof. (JJ. A. Liubig, ftntf other eminent Cht-mlsts. No lloek PhoHphate, Mineral Guano, Salt Cake, Rpont or Sludge Acid, Land I'laster and other inferior mateHals enter into the maun fact ure of my I hosphate, which !■ nolcly mA^t of Hones, Afeat, lllood, Ptire AcitX and I'utaMh Salts. My works are always open for insj-ectlon to every oonoum. er of Fertilizers, Highest jireniium and medal of Honor awarded to mj Fertilizers by the Centennial Commission. Philadelphia, *T6. Send for new Spring Circular coutaiuitig full dirertionfl and testimonials. L. L. CKOCKKR, 10-3-2m 252 Washington St., Uuffalo, N. T. DIPHTHERIA ! Johnson's Anodyne Liniment will positively prevent thia terrible disease, and will positively cure nine cases in ten. Information that will save many lives sent freo by mall. Don't delay a moment. Prevention is belter than cur«. I. S. JOIENMON A CO., BnnK:or, Maine. 10-3-lm 1760. ESTABLISEED 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO., 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE, BUILDLN"G HARDWARE, PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS, TERRA com. IRON aM LEAD PIPE, LEATHER BELTING, SEEDS, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. Agents for th. " Ohio " Reaper and Mower, Whann'8 Phosphate, Fairbank's Scales, Dupont's Po'wder, Harrisburgr Nails, ubliBher8, J. M. STODDART & CO., &-9 723 Chestnnt Street, Philadelphia. ESTABLISHED 1832. a. SENEK & SONS, Mauufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and finished The best Sawed SHIlVGmA iu the country. Also Sash, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c. PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any other. Also best COAI. constantly on band. OFFICE AND YARD : Sftrtheast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts., LANC.A.STKR, PA. 9-1-ly 1823. SEND FOR 1878. THE NEW YORK OBSERVER The Best Religious and Secular Family News- paper. $3.15 a Year, post-paid. Established 1823. 37 PARK ROW, NEW YORK. SAMPLE COPIES FRE£. BBXTSOXT, BXTRFEE: <& GO'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE ■»^*^T=t 1878, Contains full lists with descriptions, illustrations md i>rices of SeedGIIlogiI CHURCH St PHILADELPHIA P^ Benson, BuRPEE&Co THE BEST GARDEN, FIELD AND FLO'WER SEEDS, (all the standard varieties and many choice novelties), Summer lud Autumn Bulbs. Plants, Small Fruits, Trees, Agricultural fmplemeute, and Bkoded Live Stock and Fancy Poultry. >(>nd your ndclress on a PoNtal Card and re- ceive a eopy by retnrn mall. 10 packages Choioo Flower Seeds for 25 cents. Our Novelties. We call special attention to our CAriFORNIA BROOM! CORN, an evergreen variety which does not require bend- ijig down. the beat market variety. B. B. & GO S SURE HEAD CABBAGE, BAY VIEW HYBRID Jit t:LON afid the new Tomato— Red Cblcf. t3?~Send for Catalogue to BEITSOIT, BiraPEE & 00-, Seed Wareliouae , 223 011111011 St., PhiladelpMa. { |fiil3i:ripflia |Biiilfette. The Philadelphia Poudrette is an active, energetic, natu- ral manure, is soluble {like barn-yard manure) without the use of acids. It contains the soluble salta of plants, which have served as food. These elements are indiapensable to the development of cultivated crops, and in supplying these excrements to the soil, we return to it the constitu- ents which the crops have removed from it, and renew its capability of nourishing new crops. It la an invaluable manure for Tobaero and other plants requiring an early, healthy start, and rapid growth, maturing them from ten to fifteen dave earlier. The increasing demand and uniform ^ satiafactiou it has given on all crops duriug the past three years prove it a reliable fertilizer. A profitable and high de- gree of culture requires a liberal supply of manure. Circulars with testimonial can be had at the office of The IjaneaHter Farmer, and at 101 North Queen St. ZOO^IiBS. TKADE MARK. Price, $25 Per Ton, HIRAM E. LUTZ, Manufacturer. nOG MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA. FOR REGISTER, HENRY KURTZ, (Subject tojRepnblican Rules. Primary £leotion, Saturday, May 25, 1878,) MOTJNT JOY BOROUaH. ?^f^S mailed PREKto »11 applicanlj). Itcon-' ^^ ^ Uln. colored pl.le. 500 enpravInM -^ ftbout 150 p.gea, »nd full descriptlonsT^ prlCM .Qd dlreetloDi for planting over 1200 ^~~~^ JlpieUe. of VejeUblo .nd Plower Seed,, Pl.nl,, EoM. IW. Uraliutile to .11. aendforlu iddr.M .■"•«•, »«i. D. M. TEBBT & CO., Detroit, Hidu lO-l-imJ AND Thoroughbred Short-Horn Cattle; Bred and For Sale by the undersigned. OF THE BEST MILKING STRAINS, and at prices to suit the times. Herd open to iiapection by strangers at all times (Sundays excepted.) I will be pleased to show my herd to visitora, and any information in regard to the cattle will cheerfully be given, by letter, as desired. A. M. BANK, I .lO-S-ly] Blrd-in-Haud, Lsnoater oo., Pa. I _ 'VciQr> fTo suV.scrilicrii in d 1 CctI :( the county. SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS To nubacriljern out of tbe couuly. } $1.00 Prof. S. S. EATEVON, E^tor. LANCASTER MAY 15 1878. LINN5;US HATHVON, Publisher. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. ClnbbinK, - 65 About Potatoes, ------- 65 An Aged Apple, ------ 65 Attraction Extraordinary, ----- 65 About May, ------ - 65 The Cat-Bird, ------- 6fi Somethine About Eels, ----- 66 Queries and Answers, ----- 67 Correspondence, ------ 67 Late Planted Peachblows, - - - . 6K Revu of April Number, ----- 68 The Mennonite lirass-Burner, - - - - 60 PropoKating by Natural Selection, - - - 70 Around the" Farm— No. 8, - - - - - 70 Eureka Tree and Post Hole Digger, - - 71 Garden Vegetables, ------ 71 Letter from Iowa, ------ 71 How Can Poultry be .Made Profitable to the Farmer? ------ 71 The Improving of Varieties of Farm Crop<, - 7.3 The Dairy Situation, ----- 74 The State Millers' Association, - - - - 75 Its Wholeaome iDfluence and Power — Incalculable Value iu Protection — Features of the AsHocia- tlou— The Officers. OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- - tural and Horticultural Society, - - - 75 Best Time to Cut Graes for Hay — The Place of Meet- lug— The Visit to Groff's Farm— The Bee-Keep- ers- Business for Next Meeting. Tobacco Growers' Association, - - - - 76 Report of Visitiug Committee — Reports on Crops — For Geueral Di8CUf*siou — Deferred Questions — New Busiuess. Bee-Keepers' Association, - - - - 77 Reports — Questious Discussed. Linnsean Society, ------ 78 Donations to the Museum — To the Library — Papers Read — Scientific Miscellany— New Busiuess — Con- tributions for Stock at $5 a Share. AGRICULTURAL. Corn Growing, ------ 78 How to Plow, -------78 Pop Corn as a Leading Crop, - - - 78 HORTICULTURAL. The Culture of Cantaloupes, - - - 78 Excessive Stimulation of Strawberries, - - 78 Care of Young Fruit Trees, - - - . 78 How to Make Trees Fruit Early, - - . 78 DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Things Useful to Know, ----- 79 Household Hints, ------ 79 Potato Salad, ------- 79 Flat Irons, ------- 79 Renovating Black Silk, ----- 79 How to Banish Rats, - - - - - 79 LIVE STOCK. Percentage of Cream and Butter, - - - 79 To Relieve Choked Cattle, ----- 79 Hints for Horse Owners, - - ' - - Jp Exterminating Lice, ------ 79 Heaves, -------- 79 POULTRY. Hens That Eat Eggs, " ' • " " P Leghorn Fowls, -------79 Cooked Meat for Fowls, 79 Charcoal for Poultry, ------ 79 A 8502 Rooster, ------ 79 Tarred Paper for Poultry Houses, - - - 79 Literary and Personal, ----- 80 1878 SPKIA(j AKD SUMMER. 1878 RATHVON & FISHER'S CHEAP CLOTHING STORE, Comer Sorth Queen and Orange Sts., LANCASTER, PA. Good all wool Business Suits from $I2 to $20 Fine Cloth or Worsted Dress Suits, 15 to 20 Fine Cassimere Pants, - - 4 to 10 Fine Vests, - - - - -3 to 6 CUSTOM WORK A SPECIALTY, and satisfaction guaranteed. READY MADE CL0T1:I1NG And Furnishing Goods of all kinds, very cheap, Cottonades ae low as f2..'>0 a euit. Clothe, Cassimeres, Worst ings, Suitings, Coatiugs aud VeatingB in a full liue, and made promptly to order. RATHVON & FISHER, xove PRACTIC.\L TAILORS. X878 JS03ViHTI3CI3NrC3i- PJEXAT. THE SMOKER'S PET. Good Live Agents Wanted Everywhere, Novelty Dealers and the Trade sup- plied at reduced rates. Addreea all orders to tbe sole manufacturers, a B. THOMPSON, Brid^eitorl, Conuecticnt. [KiiRPIPE The merits of this invention are at once appreciated by every Smoker; as by usiiiR this article (\vbich is as light aud jtortable us a cigar i all smokers can use the best tobacco at less tiaau one-teuth the expense of a poor cigar, dispeus- ing entirely with the cumbrouB aud unsightly pipes. DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Remove the mouth piece and piston, fill the tube half ful of smokiut; tobacco, insert the piston and mouth iiiece,aud light as you would an ordinary cignr. Samjilo by mail, 3© cents. By Mall $1.50 Per Doz. By Espress $12.00 Per Gross. DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING. Clean the Interior Parts with a damp Rag when they become foul. 10-2-4m OUR IMPROVED' PEST POISON ihUKAKK, huie liiiij elit-aj) ile>iiei' ur thv Currant \\ orni, und all Iimt-cU thai Prey ■ on Vegi-iatlori. \\:i:n»nied tu kill Kivh ^ liuos where 1 ar!s(.rcen kills ()NK,>eilt Is sAKKi; TO ri>K, and la nut Injurious to ,^ plants. CosieonlyiV. t(.7ic.iMTarre. J-m box sent free by mall forS^c. Send for circular wiib hundreds of testlnKinlals. Our Cabba^;**. Worm Dmtroyer Is NOT AT ALL I'lHSdMUSi. lnU SUTI- dcaill In IIiC WDrm Sarnpli? for trial Bent free on r celpt of 15 lerila. i'osTAOH Stami's Acc'EPTEi). PtBcouiit lo thc Trudc. if 10-5-'2m ke.\r>;f.v cuemu al wokks. 1. 1;. dev. Agcm '. o. Box 3139. Oiticc, w t'ortlandt St.. New i oric 10 pictures of actreHsea and piuf;.'r8 sent for lu oenti. National Monthtv, Washington, D, ('. A FARMER, a Farmer's Son or DannMer. Taking Orders for five of Nellie' Haiipoon Hi)BhB Uat Forks and Fixtures will (in addition to the profits), re- eeive fbBe a complete ri^- of NelUs' Fork and Tatent Con- veyor, for depositing Hay or Straw in mow or on ataok. Also manufactures Nnt Shell flay Carrier, Pulleys and Grapples, Agt'l Steels, Nellis' Cast Tool Steel Oaatlnga, * (Plow-Bhares from this steel can be welded, worked into chisels or edged tools.) Ornamental Fencings for public grounds, cemeteries, or farms. Paiaphlets free. 10-5-lm A. J. NELLIS h CO., Pittsburg, Pa. THE LATEST INVENTION. Tlf K VKTOK NUTMEG GRATER, A Domestic Jewel that will last a life-time. NEEDS NO REFERENCES. Does away with the Inconveniences- connected with other Graters. ItB coiistnictiou commends itnctr to tbo public, aod all the leading Kitcheu FuruiBhiug Houees Rpeak of it iu the liigbeBt terms. IT IS IX FACT THE Most Simple, Most Dur,^ble, and Most_Re- liable invention ever offered to the public. PRICE 28 CENTS. Dir<>clion!4 — Take tbe grater in tbe left hand, palui towards you, with your third finger through thi- hiindle place tbo thumb on the apring-Iever, remove the fe«der and insert the nut. Price to Agents $1.75 Per Dozen Good lA\e A|cciit)« Wunlod Everywhere. All orders should be addressed to c. B. XHOiyii>soi\r, Muiiufucturer's Sole A^'ent. Also Dealer & Maiif r. of Patent No?elties, &c. liRlDGEWATER CONN. lO-i-im II. THE LANCASTER FARMER. ■PENNSYLVANIA I 1 Trains leave the Dei WE TWARD. CAII.ROAD )ot iu this city, Leave Lancaster. 2:40 a. m. 4:50 a. m. 9.35 a. m. 7:20 p. m. 11:20 a. m. 11:30 a. m. 11:20 a. m. 2:10 p. m. 2:15 p. m. 6:00 p. m. 7:20 p. m. 7:25 p. m. 9:25 p.m. 11:30 p. m. Lancaster. 12:30 a. m. 4:10 a. m. 7:35 a. m. 9.28 p. m. 1:20 p. m. 2:00 p. m. 3:05 p.m. 5:18 p. m. 5:50 p. m. !i>C'IIEI>lIl.E as follows : Arrive Harrisburg. 4:05 a. m. 7:50 a. m. 10:40 a. m. Col. Accommodation Mail train via Sit. Joy Col. 8:00 p. m 1:00 p. m. 1:25 p. m. 1:30 p. lu. Fast Line" Frederick Accommodation. 3:25 p. m. Col. 2:45 p. m. 8:10 p. m. Columbia Accommodation.. Harrisburg Express Pittsburg Express Cincinnati Express* EASTWARD. Col. 8:00 p. m. 8:40 p. m. 10:50 p. m. 12:45 a. m. Philadelphia. 3:00 a. m. Philadeljibia Expresat Harrisburg Express Columbia Accommodation.. 7:00 a. m. 10:00 a. m. 12:30 p. m. 5:00 p. m. Johnstowu Express Day Express* Harrisburg Accom 6:00 p. m. 7:20 p. m. 9:00 p. m. The Hanover Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a. m., and wlU run through to Hauover. The Fredej-ick Accommodation, west, connects at Lancas- ter with Fast Line, west, at 2:10 p. m.. and rims to Frederick. The Pacific Express, east, on Suuday, when flagged, will Btop at Middletown, Elizabethtowu, Mount Joy and Landis- Tille. *Tlie only trains which run daily. IRuus daily, excei^t Monday. Rates «f AclTertising: in tbe Fanner. 1 mo.... 2 ni».... 3 mo 4 n>o 6 m« 8 mo 1 year. 1 in. Jl.OO 2 00 «.50 3.00 4.50 6.00 9.00 in. $ 2.00 4.00 4.50 s.ao 9.00 12.00 18.00 3 in. $ 3.00 6.00 6.75 9.00 13.50 18.00 27.00 4 in. $ 4.90 8. OS 10. 00 12.00 IS. 00 24.00 36.00 J 6.00 $ 8.00 12.00 16.00 13.50 IS, 00 27.00 36.01 54.00 18.00 24.00 36.00 48.00 72 00 ffV^''~SKeci:'l and but^iuess notices 15 cents j-er line TO AGENTS. The Century CI art. A 100-year Almauac, whereby you cau ascertaiu what day of the week any day of the mouth is or what day of the month any day of the week is, was, or will be, from 1799 to 1900, or in what day any event haa taken place, from 1799 . to 1900, and 1000 other occurreuces. The greatest in- * 5 vention of man. Every jierson will buy one; also the % '•^ great Egyptian Puzzle. Sport for all. Either article S ft sent on receipt of 25u. potit paid, or $1 per dozen. * ^ Agents wanted everywhere. Ladies a.nd Geuts secui-e your town at once. You can make $20 per week. Send for sample, 9-12-r.in] KOOXS BRO'S, Sovflty fi a!pr ; mo and 102 Washiugtoc St., CHICAC40. 111. M. HABERBUSH, MANUFACTURER OF Plain and Fine Harness, COLLARS, "WHIPS, PLY NETS, &c., ALSO DE.VLEIi IN TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS, BUFALO KOBES, Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, G-loves, &c., No. 30 Penn Square, lO-l-ly LANCASTER, PA. S]BiII=LTS 1 Half Dozen for $6.00! SHIRT FRONTS, DllUUlO, SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER AT B. J. EPvISMAl-7'S, No. 56 North Queen Street, OPPOSITE INQUIRER PRINTING OFEICE. P U L M O N A is beyond comjiarisou the best remedy for the cure of CON- SUMPTION ( KVKN IN ITS MOST ADVANCED STAGES),,! .'*^/im«, BronchitaSs Catarrh, and all derangements of the NEIiV- OUS SYSTEM. A circular containing paeticulaks of MANY CASES SUCCESSFULLY TREATED, fuU adviSB for the treatment of tbe diseases above mentioned, and ceiiificatea of actual cures, will be sent free by mail to all applicants. Address OSCAR G.MOSES, Sole Proprietor, 18 Cortlandt Street, NewVork. 9.10-6m THE IMPROVED Sewing Machine 1- — Makes 2l perfect lock stich, alike on. both sides, on ali kimh 0/ goods. a.— Runs Light, Smooth, Noiseless and Rapid, 3. — DuKABLK —Runs /or years without Repair. 4. — iVili do all iiarieties 0/ Work and Fancy Stitching in a superior manner. 5. — \% Most Easily managed hy the operator. Length of stitch may be altered while running, and machine can be threaded without passing thread through holes. G. — Dhsign Simple, Ingenious, Elegant. Forming the stitch without the ii^e of Cog Wheel Gears, Rotary Cams, or Lever Arms. Has tlie Automatic Drop Feed, which insures uniform length 0/ stitch at any spefd. Has our new Thread Controller , which allows easy movement of needle bar and prevents injury to thread. 7. — CoNSTnucTioN mo;,t careful ATid Finished. It is manu- factured by the most skillful and experienced mechanics^ at the celebrated KEMIXGTO:V 4 RMORY. Hioii, W. Y. Attention is called to .our greatly reduced prices. 8. — I'he No. 2 Remington Machine for Manufacturing and Family use has been recently improved . and is offered to the public with the assurance that it will give entire satisfaction. ARMORY : ILION, N. Y. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 218 and 283 Broadway, Ne'w York in-'_'.lyl EVERYTHING FOR THE GARDEN Numbering 175 payes, with Colored Plate, SENT FRSE To oui- customers of past years, and to all inuchaKSrs of our books, either SARDBNINS FOR PROFIT, PRiVOTICAL FLORICULTURE, Or GARDENING FOR PLEASURE. Pric3 $1.50 each, prepiid, by mail, To others, OQ receipt of 26c. Plai" Plant or Seed C.italogues, witliout PUts, free to all, PETER HENDERSON & CO., n-T-lyl ADVERTISING. §1.000 WOKTSS F035 $S?..50. Tlie cheapest and be-st way to reach readers outside of the large cities is by using one or more of our Bix lists of over l.OOO newspapers, divided to cover diflferent sec- tions ot the country. WeekBy <'iB*4*ulalion over 600. 000. AdvsrtisementB received for one or more lists. For catalogues containing names of papers, and other in- formatiuu and for estituates, address SEALS & FOGTSE, -ll Park Eow (Times Building), New 7ork. Diseases Cured. New paths marked out by that plainest of all books — "Plain Home Talk and Sledical Common Sense," — nearly 1,000 pages, *200 illustrations, by Dr. E. B. Foote, of 120 Lexington Ave., N. Y. Purchasers of this Book are at liberty to consult its author in person or by mail free. Price by mail SH. "25 ior t\x^ StanfUivd edition, or $1.50 foi the />o/>Mfar edition, which contains all the same mattei and illustrations. Contents tables free, Af/euttt Wanted MURRAY HILL PUBLISHING CO , 9-10-ly 129 East 2Sth St. N, Y. CHRONIG E. IT. FEESHMAF & BEOS., ADVERTISING AGENTS, 186 W. Pourtli St., Cincinnati, 0., Are autlioriK4'- i T K Y, Lard, Talliow. Feath- ers. Potatoes, A P FliES, ( Flour, Feed, Fur, Hide-, Wool^ , ^ Peanuis, Bi'oom Corn, Dried Fruit, Hay, llups. &!;., he. 'l^aberal casli advaiieeN made on large consignments of staple articles. Farmers, shippers and dealers m general merchandise should write for refe- rence, price current, stencil, &c. Wheu writing us, state whether you wish to ship on consignment, or sell; if you wish to sell, name the articles, amoant of each, and your VERY i OWEST PRKE "S^^l.'o. B, (free aboard cars) at your nearest shipjnng point. Also, if possible, send sample by mail; if too bulky, by freight. AddesB HULL & SGOWEY, GENES4AI, Commission & Shipping IVIerchants, 321 and 346 >'ortli Water Street, 9-n-ly] PHILADELPHIA. We are now selling Uew Pianos for S125 Each, and all styles, including Grand. Sqnnre and Up- rig-ht, all new and strictly CirHl-elasM, at the lowest net caNh wholestale factory prices, direct to the purchaser. No Agents; no commisiions ; no discounts. Pianos for 5200, containing MATHTTSHEK'S New Patent Luplez Overstrung Scale, which is without question the greatest improvement ever put into a Square Piano, producing the most astonishing poiuer, richness and depth of tone, and a sustaining singing quality never before attained. Our Uprights are the fne^t in Anrerica. Piano5 sent on trial. Don't fail to write for Illus- trated and Descriptive Catalogue — mailed free. MENDELSSOHN PIANO CO,, 9-T-ly No. ai East Fifteenth St., N. Y. AuEWTbera! terms Monthly. Washington, Best comt>inati'm and moat lib- . Send for ciiculars. National D. C. " Unquestionably tliie S>pst snHtained work ot t^ieUsndin theWorli!.'^ ILLUSTRATED. Notices of tbe Presa. The veteran Afngazine, which long ago outgrew its origit nal title of the Xew Monthly Magazine, has not in the lea6t abated the x>opUlarity it won at the outset, but has added to it in many ways, and has kept fairly abreast of the times, tbaiiks to the enterprise of the publishers and tJie tact and wisdom of its editors. For whatever is best and most read- able iu the Literature of travel, discovery, imd fiction, the average reader of to day looks to Harper''s Magazine, just ns expectantly as did the reader of a quarter of a century ago; there is the same admirable variely if contents aiultbe same fre.^huess and suggestiveness iu its editorial departments now as then. — Uuston Jourrial. OV MIBB Van W BBrLia W^r ■ Postage Free tc all Subscribers in tha Unite! States. Hatipeu's Magazisk. one year $4 00. $4 1)0 includes prepayment of U. S. postage by the pub- lishers. .Sub--t:7 iptions to Harper's MAGAZTNK,'S\"REKLT,n7jJ Bazar, to oiiti addresii for one j/par, $10 00 ; or. two of JJarper^H Periodicals, to oiie uddress for one year, $7,00 : pontage fj-ee. An Extra Copy of either the Magazine, Weekly, or Ba- zar will he supplied gratis for every Club of FivR Subscri- bers aC^ 00 crtc/i, /jau:? for by one remittance; or, Six Cop- ien one year, witliout extra copy, for $:iU 00. lia^k Snmhers can be sujiplied at any time. The volumes of the aVrtf;rtz//i^ commence with the Num- bers for June and December of each year. Wheu no time is specified, it will be understood that the subscriber wishes to begin with the current Number. A comjilete Set of Harper's Magazine, now comprising 6.5 Volumes in neat cloth binding, will be sent by express, freight at expense of purchaser, for S2 25 per volume. Single volumeti by mail, postjyaid, $3 00. Cloth cases, for binding, 50 cents, by mail, postpaid. A Complete Analytical Index to the first Fifty Volumes of Haupek's Magazinb has beeu published, rendering availa- ble for reference the va-st and varied wealth of information which cousiitutes this periodical a perfect illustrated litera- ry cyclopaedia. 8vo, Cloth, $2 OU; Half Calf, $5 25. Sent postage prei^aid. Subscriptions received for Harper's Periodicals only. Newipapers are not to copy this advertisement withoni the express orders of Harper & brothers. Ad dress HaRPI^R & BROTHERS. New York. per 1,000 aud upwards, lor Scediiiig.s ot Shade and Timber Trees. A siBr|>l;i*« of voung trans- planted KVKK«REEX!S, CONCORD GRAPE VINES, ETC. Send for Price List. Address, J. JENKINS, Grape and Seedling Nursery, I0-2-4m] WINONA, Columbiana County, Ohio, $1 The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor. LANCASTEPx, PA., MAY, 1878. Vol. X, No. 5. CLUBBING. We ofter The Faumek, clubbed witli other first-class iniblications, at the following prices : r/irciioloi/icitl Journal ami F.iUMEU - ?'.! 00, $.'..50 Jlarper's MoutUhj aud VMiiii!.ii - - - .5.00, 4 00 Harper's Weekly and F.mimhk - - - 5.00, 4.00 Harper's Bazar ami F.^k.mkk - - - - 5.00, 4.00 Herald of Jleallh&mWkHtiKn - - - 2.00, 1.50 National Liiv Slock Journal Ai\A.Vk\n\v.v. H.OO, 2.50 Mormt Joy Herald siwii V \lii\EYi. - - 2.50, 1.75 Friendi Journal ami F.\ii.mer - - . ."..50, S.OO The first column indicates the rcgidar prices of the two journals respectively, and the second column the club rates, if the two are ordered together. ABOUT POTATOES. " Circumstances alter cases, " as a general rule, nevertheless, there are occasionally "hard cases" which no circumstances can alter. But it is not with the.se that we have to do in these remarks. The contribution of A. B. G., in another place in this number of The Faiimer, on early and late planting of potatoes, recalls one or two very peculiar ex- periences we had thirty-five or forty years ago. On one occasion we planted a lot in potatoes in the month of May — neither too early nor too late — and we realised the best crop and the largest tubers of anj' one in the town where we lived, in th.at season, and the fol- lowing are the circumstances that altered the case. The seed consisted of "small pot.atoes," planted whole. The se.ason was a remarkably dry one, and adil to this the fact, that from certain causes, that were beyond our control, we were unable to give thena much cultiva- tion. We hired some boys to hoe and weed them, but they did the work very imperfectly, for in a short time the whole enclosure be- came overgrown with rank weeds, and, singu- lar enough, the weeds seemed to be the only vegetation in the lot that showed any special thrift, and the potato toivs became entirely hidden by them. The drougth was so very severe, just at the period too when potatoes need moisture, that, of course, we expected np potatoes. In the fall a neighbor proposed to dig them out "on the halves," to which we readily assented. The result surprised us, it also agreeably surpri.sed our neighbor, and everybody else who saw it. It is true the crop was only an ordinary one, but it was extra- ordinary when compared with the crops of others, for there was no "[latch" of the same area in the town, or perhaps in the township, that produced such a yield, either in quantity or quality. The qualifying circumstances were these : The weeds overshadowed tlie ground and prevented the evaporation of the moisture, and that altered the case ; but, of course, it would never do to let rank weeds grow, per se, in order to secure a crop of pota- toes. On another occasion the season was an exceeding wet one, and we put the same lot in potatoes, from fine large seed, which had been brought down the Susquehanna, on an ark, from "York State." The stone-coal ashes from three sliups, on the lot, were dis- tributed pretty thickly over the lower end, ■where the ground was also low ; indeed, in some places the seed were covered entirely with ashes. The yield in the fall was large on the whole enclosure, but the jiotatoes there, and also elsewhere, rotted in the ground. But on that part of the lot which received the coal ashes, there was not only an abundant yield, but al.so a fine and healthy one. Xone of the potatoes rotted, either in the ground, or after they had been taken out of it. In that part of the lot which received no ashes the potatoes were embedded in solid earth, and they left their impre.ssions in it as clear and distinct as if they had been enveloped in a plaster of Paris mould, and the one-third, or one-half of every tuber was black with the "rot." The modifying circumstances which altered this ease, we appreliend, were the.se. The healthy development of the tuber of the potato rect of its solicitude as that which is already known. Such societies should have a conijie- teut, responsible and aggressive committee on nomenclature, and new or unknown fruits submitted to them should be recognized, and named at once, iit least provisionally, " with- out fear, favor or afl'ection." ATTRACTION EXTRAORDINARY. The Art Exhibition and Liunaan .Museum, now open at the Hall of the Y. M. C. A., No. 22 South (^uecn street, in Lancaster city, is the finest exhibition of the kind that has ever been presented to the public of our county, and we would advise all our readers to go and see it on their visits to the city. The three stories of the building are entirely occu- Iiied by rare work of nature and art, and no one can examine them and go away without being in some way informed or benefited, for it presents a feast to the mind of man that inci- dentally must benefit his body al.so. As this exhiliition in its jircsent collective form will oidy be kejit open for one week yet, go and see it immediately. The I>inua'an Museum on the .'?d story will, however, bo permanently open to the public, under such rules as may hereafter be announ- ced. ^ ABOUT MAY. The first of May, 1878, (May-day,) goes on record as niarvelously fine ; fully realizing the most i)oetic idea of our youthful days. A beautiful first of May had, of late years, so far resolved itself into a myth that the august fathers, who direct our school system, had long since entirely ignored it and changed "May-day" to the first of .luiie, which the present year seems likely to throw into the lap of harvest — hay-harvest at least. Mai) is not derived from Maia, the mother of *Mercury — according to the usual, or com- mon idea — because the word existed long be- fore either Mercury or Maia had been intro- duced. It is from the Latin Maius, i. e. Mii'jus, which is from the root 3I(uj, the same as the Sanskrit Mith, to grow, and means the grow- ing or shooting month. The Roman youths — according to Polydore Vergil — used to go into the fields and spend the Calends of Jilay in dancing and singing, in honor of Flora, god- dess of fruits and tlowers ; and from this cus- tom the English, and our May-day, was de- rived, but we have seen our " youths and maidens" shivering around a stove on that day. Kitchen-Garden Calender. In the Middle States, during the past month , some of the hardier vegetables have been sown, and by the middle of the present one all will have been put in ; hence the labor will now mainly consist of tlu' various operations of transplanting, thinning, weeding, hoeing, iVic. Tlie following alphabetical directions will serve as a reminder to the uni)racticed gardener, who is also referred to the directions lor April. Beans, Bush, jilant for succession ; Lima, Carolina, and other pole-beans may now be planted. Ilrdu, long, sow. Cabbaye, i)lant ; sow seed if not done last month. Cupskum (pepper), i)lant. Carrot, long orange, sow. Caulijiotcrr, in frames, remove gla.sses. Celery, weed ; crops which have failed when first sown repeat .sowings. Cuntntber, early frame, plant. Lettuce, Large Cabbage, and India and Dutch-Butter, sow in drills to stand ; thin out if too thick. Melons, plant ; of the Water, 'Rev. S. Cobtum Brewer, 66 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [May, Icing or Ice-rind is tlie best. Parsncps, thin out, if ready. AVeeds, destroy as tliey appear, and hoe and otherwise cultivate the advancing crops ; it is needless to particularize each duty. Where the interest and taste lead to gardening, directions for every opcralrion are necessary to but few. It is not, however, discreditable to the character of many farmers who till their own land, and should reap the reward of well- cultivated gardens, that none but the simplest vegetables may be found upon their tables, and in too many instances that scanty supply is the result of women's labor. We have in former issues recommended a "Farmers' Kitchen-Garden," where nearly all the preparation of the land may be done by horse-power, and thus most ample supplies of vegetables be obtained in all seasons without hand labor or occupation of time, which may not be readily spared from farm duties, and the women of the household be relieved from toiling to supply household wants. — LandretlVs Rural Beyister. General Suggestions. There are two classes of acute observers — those who see clearly through the profoundest mysteries, and those who see mysteries in the clearest and simplest things. Perhaps the latter class is the most numerous. The in- valid, whose diet consists of the richest and most unwholesome viands, has been heard to wonder at the strange ])rovidence which has allotted to him painful days and sleepless nights. The man who is not diligent in his business meditates on the unfathomable de- cree which has assigned him to a life of poverty and disappointment. The proud mother, who has exposed her delicate little ones to the changeful weather with insuflicient clothing, that white skin and dimples might be admired, wonders at the incomprehensible bereavement over which she mourns. But these differences or conditions are due mainly to a lack of some practical information on subjects of the highest vital importance. Most of the " mysteries" people puzzle them- selves about would be dissolved by the study of the plain principles of physiology and phrenology. Children should be instructed in the principles of anatomy, physiology and hygiene, so that they will "be enabled early in life to avoid the many agencies and occasions of sickness and disease. It is every parent's duty to see that children are set in the right way for taking care of themselves in body as well as in mind. Some of us are not in favor of eating oysters and other shell-lish which are deemed by epicures as now out of season. Suap-beans or "German wax" make a better stew, accord- ing to our notion, than any of the mollusks or Crustacea. One who knows, says tliat tliey are grand with green corn (succotash) .string beans, or as a relish, with potatoes. They are good with oatmeal cake, excellent with rye and Indian bread. Set out plenty of tomato plants ; there is no danger of having too many of them. — Phren. Health Al. All of which is very good advice, and to the point, although we think that the ailments and afflictions alluded to do not occur so much from a lack of knowledge as from obedience to the principles inculcated by sound wisdom and discretion. THE CAT-BIRD. One of our most famili.ir birds, and one which BhouUl rauli in our affections along with the blue- bird and robin, is the cat-bird. But unfortunately be is the subject of very general prejudice, not merely on account of his undeniable propensity to steal cherries, but also because many persons dislike the cat-like notes which be utters on certain occasions. But if he is to be condemned to persecution on ac- count of these failings, we must also consider that he is worse than the robin and mocking-bird only from his greater abundance ; and when we enlist our thoughts in his favor and consider his confident familiarity with us, his graceful form, playful man- ners, and interesting song, we may readily forgive all his shortcomings. Though distinguished by his song, which, notwithstanding its frequent interrup- HOBS by imitations, is eminently original in style, it is, however, his manners which commend him to our notice. There is scarcely an orchard in the land, from the Atlantic coast to the western base of the Rocky Mountains, and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Britsh Provinces, which is not enlivened by the presence of one or more pairs of cat-birds ; and very incomplete an American orchard would seem with- out them. At all hours of the day his cheerful song may be heard from among the green boughs of an apple tree ; and when the heat of the midday sun tells him that a bath would be refreshing, be comes and splashes in the wash-basin at the back-door in the most perfect civilized style. And then when we return his familiarity, and, uninvited, intrude upon his own household, wc cannot but admire the courage with which he remonstrates and defemls his home. And then, too, his trim, graceful form, plain but neat dress, and bright, easy manner still further tend to win our esteem. The song of the cat-bird is one which, though vigorous and pleasing, we cannot ourselves admire, though we admit our liability to error of judgments as of other things, and may through bad taste do him injustice. But in our assumed ofBce of critic it is our duty to speak truthfully and plainly, and dis- claiming any iutentiou of disparaging the qualities or cultivation of his voice, we will proceed in the performance of our task. His song has sufiBcient vigor, for he is untiring in his efforts to please us ; and it has strength enough, for he is ever ambitious to make his voice conspicuous in the morning chorus ; and we occasionally catch snatches of soft and sweet notes, or he even now and then manages to execute some very brilliant passage. But should the latter be the case, he seems himself astonished, though evidently well pleased, for he pauses as if awaiting for and expecting applause. In his performance there is too muchdeliberiition, and the general effect is that he is merely practicing, during which he at times gets tired of his own voice, and substitutes other sounds which he has heard. These he imitates with tolerable success, but we must say that the squeal of a young pig, the squeaking of a hing, or the squall of a cat— sounds which he affects more than the notes of songsters— are a harsh interruption to a song which might otherwise be pleasing. — llarper's Magazine for May. It is not very easy to determine whether the foregoing is an appreciation or a depreciation of the character and qualities of the cat-bird. But, perhaps, after all, it is about as much as any one can say, pro and con, in regard to the economies and social status of his cat-voiced birdship ; only we think that, both positively and negatively, the testimony might have been more pronounced. We have heard cat- birds mimicing the notes of other birds — es- pecially towards an early summer evening, or after a shower of rain — whose notes were only a little inferior tothoseof the "mocking-bird." If these mimicing efforts are admirable in a mocking-bird, they are surely none the less so in a cat-bird. But, leaving out his beneficial and neutral qualities, the cat-bird is a positive nuisance to those who cultivate the Delaware and Clinton grapes. Insectivorous they cer- tainly are in the sjsring and diu'ing the brood- ing season, but somehow those broods, so carefully reared on worms, grubs and insects, are inoculated with a strong penchant for fruit in the after part of summer and early autumn, as we are able to unmistakably testify ; and we make the record merely as a historical fad, and without intending any- thing prejudicial to the bird. Our residence is only five blocks from the very centre of Lancaster city, and the street is built up solidly for several blocks beyond us ; and yet as long as we had Clinton grapes on our premises, from the moment they began to ripen until the crop was entirely exhausted, our vines were daily visited by scores of cat- birds, and so fastidious in their gastronomica! tastes, too, that they were satisfied with no- thing short of the very best berries on the vines, and in this way they marred the beauty and the quality of every cluster. It was no- thing to the purpo.se that there were'plenty of other grapes in close proximity ; but no, they muat have the Clintons and Delawares, espe- cially the former. They could not be friglit- ened far away, neither, by "beating the bush," nor the discharge of firearms; ^hey would retire about six inches or more beyond the limits of the enclosure, only to return as soon as our back was turned. On one occa- sion we were compelled to remove all the grapes, even before all were fully ripe, for we had fourteen cat-bird visitors daily. They perched themselves on trees in the neighbor- hood and watclied the process. Afterwards they returned to the vines, but when they found them minus the grapes, such a sarcastic and catlike wail of contempt no cat-birds ever uttered beft)re, and then they left with undis- guised disgust and never more returned— the vines being subsequently exterminated. ^ SOMETHING ABOUT EELS. Very few eels are ever caught that, when opened, contain any eggs — even by old and experienced fishermen — and hence it is often asked : How do eels propagate ? And, indeed, many people do not believe that they ever de- velop eggs, but that they are propagated in some manner unknown to science, and with- out the intervention of eggs. We confess that we never saw what we considered the well- defined eggs of an eel until to-day (April 12), although we had often been assured by com- petent authority that they do produce eggs. But we supposed that if ever we found them we would find them very minute— something like the spawn of an oyster. To-day, however, Mr. John Wohr, of 526 South Queen St., Lancaster, brought us an eel, about afoot long, which he caught in the Little Conestoga yesterday, and which contained quite a number of eggs (fully 100), as large and as i-ound as the eggs of the common shad. These eggs are enveloped in a tubidar matrix, adhering to the back-bone, and extending from the liver nearly to the vent. These eggs are not enveloped in a thin, transparent ovari- an membrane, through which they can be seen, as in other fishes, and also in fowls, but in a tubular receptacle, with thick, opaque, whitish muscular walls ; and hence we have designated it the matrix, or an organ repre- senting it. Further examination may develop further fticts on the subject. Mr. W. had re- moved the skin of the fish, and in disembowl- ing it he made an accidental incision in the matrix, and to his own astonishment exposed the eggs, some of which he had broken open in the operation. Some of these eggs are translucent, and others are of tliat dark green- ish color pecular to the eel, seemingly ap- proaching incubation. Although this dis- covery confirms an important fact, still it does not determine whether the eel is really ovi- parous, viviparous or ovovivijiarous ; that is, whether the eggs are excluded, as in other fishes, and hatch out afterwards, or whether the young are excluded from the eggs within the matrix, and brought forth alive. Their appearance seems to imply the latter. Eels, it is well known, are generally migra- tory in their habits, but differing from other migratory fishes as to their seasons ; that is, the young ascend the streams in the spring, and'the adults descend the streams in the fall, exactly the reverse of the habit of the shad. This recalls an observation we made in our boyhood, many years ago, and long before we had read "Yarrel (or an/ other author) or knew that such authorities were in existence. On one occasion we ob.served millions of young eels, varying in size from two to three inches in length, ascending the Susquehaiuia river; and it is well known that millions of those fishes were caught in that stretim, in fish-traps, as they descended it in the fall ; and this was especially the case be- fore the erection of the various dams, but it is more or less the case even down to the present time. The event itself is iudelibly impressed upon our memory, but we cannot fix the date, any father than that it was in the spring, about the time boys usually "go fishing," and therefore may have been some time during the mouth of 'May, or early in June. We ob- served tliem from tlie outer margin of a log raft (the inner margin of wliich was "high and dry," lying on the sandy beach), where the water was about six inches deep and very clear. As far out into the stream as our vision could extend there was a vast multitude of young eels, coming up over a ledge of rock on the bottom of the stream, like an army of .soldiers scaling the ramparts of a fort, and they continued to come from about ten o'clock 1788.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 67 in the morning until tlm^e or four o'clook in llic evening, but how much earlier or later, or for how many days, is more tlian we can say. Strange to say, not even the oldest inhabitant in tlie town in whieh we lived, had ever wit- nessed the phenonienen (some disbelieved our report), nor have we ever met a person from that time down to the present who had "ever seen tlie like ;" and, liad we not captured about halt a dozen of the "little jokers" in a net improvised out of our pocket liandcrchief, and read Yarrel's description of the ascent of young eels up the river Thames, we might probably have doubted it ourself. Varrel says that multitudes of these young eels are cap- tured in the Thames every spring and sold as luxuries to the rich epicures of the great metropolis. The fact that eels migrate semi-annually up and down the Susquelianna and other rivers, does not militate against anotlier fact, that there are varieties or distinct species which are local in our iionds, dams and interior streams, and the present subje(^t seems to imply that they breed in the streams and other localities in which they are found. These observations illustrate how very slow and difficult is the development of all the facts of natural history, and yet we often lind our- •selvcs jumping at conclusions, based entirely upon theory, and without a single fact to sus- tain them. We well remeniljer, when we were a boy, how abrui)tly we were "snubbed" because we stated that the vinegar we brought home was full of "worms." We could not l»l,ace it in the exact position in which we saw the worms, and it was many years after be- fore we were able, by the aid of the micro- scope, to demonstrate that our youthful as- sertion was founded on truth. QUERY AND ANSWER. Hi;mpfiei,I), Api-il 10, 1S78. Mr. S. S. Ratiivon — Dear tiir : Enclosed you will find on part of a tobacco leaf a brood, wbich I would like to know what it is. If you can, please let me know. — Yours respectfully, Ucnry .V, U'itmcr, Iknip- Jidd P. 0., Lancaiitcr couuty, J\i. The above came to hand just after our April number had gone to ])ress, or it would have been answered in that number. It is impossible to answer the queries of our corres- pondents liy special letter, unless it is on a matter relating to tlieni and us alone. The answer of this inquiry is a mattiT of puVilic interest, especially to tobacco growers, and as we are "set" for the instruction of the peo- ■ pie, we speak to them through the columns of Tns Farjier. We can assure II. M. W. that he need en- tertain no anxiety about tlie "brood " whieh he found on a leaf of his tobacco, for they are friends and not enemies. Observant totx'icco growers will have noticed during the "worm- ing" season an occasional worm covered witli small white, brown or yellow follicles, about the size and shape of an ordinary grain of rice, and from .511 to ItlO in number. These have been spun with tine silk into a regularly f(u-nied cocoon by the larva; of a small clear- winged fly, known under the name of Miciogaster amtjreyata, Ijelonging to the jiara- sitic family of " Ichneumon tlies. " The little fly deposits its eggs in or on the bodies of said worms, and as soon as the little parasites are batched trom these little eggs, they innnedi- 'ately burrow into the bodies oi' these "worms," and feed on the fatty substance of their bodies. As soon as the little larvie have reached maturity thej' come out of the bodies of tlieir host and si>in the little white or bull cocoons lirst alluded to. Within the follow- ing week or ten days the young flies come forth and go thnuigli the .same process ; and thus they go on in the "even tenor of their way," producing a number of broods, until their further progress is ended by the cold weather of fall. Now, in order to jierpetuate themselves, and bridge over the long, cold winter, the last broods do not spin their co- coons on tlie bodies of the tobacco worm, but on some other substance, where they hibernate until the following summer. These little parasites, however, also infest other caterpillars than tlio.sc of the tobacco worm, hut tlie latter especially become the victims of their infestations ; and here we would rejieat the advice we have freipu'utly given on former occasions, namely, that wluiu a tobacco worm, a grape, or tomato, or any other kind of worm is found with the cocoons of this parasite U|)on it, it should not be dis- turbed, for there is no danger that it will ever be developed into a moth. This course will allow the parasites to develop, and thus in- crease their numbers. If there is a worm on the tobacco plant these little Hies will be sure to lind it, even if it should elude the notice of the tobacco cultivator. It is a matter of life or death to them, and not one of merely dol- lars and cents, and although we are likely enough to be vigilant wliere the latter is in- volved, yet in a matter involving tlie former, we may infer any subject would be still more vigilant ; especially when guided by that in- stinct which often far surpasses the highest manifestations of human reason. CnKiSTiANA, .5lh Mo. (ith, 1878. Prof. S. S. Rathvon — Esteftned Friend: Please, tbrouj^h llie medium of your excellent paper, give tbe uamc and character of the iuclosed specimens. — Yours, etc-., G. U. ir. The specimens came safely to hand, and consisted of three small chi|is of the liark of a tree or shridi, upon which had been deposited about two hundred eggs of a Ilemipetroiis in- sect, apparently belonging to the family Reduviid-i; — a family wbich contains some of our most eflicient insect friends. We only found time to-day to examine the contents of the box which inclosed the eggs, and when we opened it we found that about one hun- dred of the young insects had emerged from them. We "cannot always determine the species of insects from eggs alone, nor yet from immature specimens, especially when they are only a day or two old ; indeed, from such undeveloped data we cannot always de- termine the ycnus, and sometimes not even the famihj. Judging from the appearance, however, we should icfer them to the genus Jlc'hirius, and they probably arc the li. raptor, an insect which has been known to destroy the larvcC of the "Colorado potato beetle." We do not think, therefore, tliat you need entertain any fears about the destructive habits of these insects, for even if they are not what we think they are, they are an allied species, genus or family. If they do not de- vour other insects the}' feed on some wild species of vegetation. These little in.sects have a little black head ami thorax, a small, red abdomen, long and slender black legs, and long, black antenna", yellowi.sh at the outer end ; characters which also distinguish the infant state of Lijgaeus aulicvs and tnrcirus, which infest the Asricjiiiis, or wild cotton. All of these insects hibernate in the winter and deposit on vegetation in the spring or in the previous autumn. 3fr. E. K. II., Cre^noeU.—The small, black insects on the cherry leaves you submitted to our inspection, are the "cherry aphis," or "plantlou.se" of the cherry {Aphis cerassi). If the whole tree is infested the same as the few leaves you submitted to us, you have not only tlie huiie but also the unlklatr, for we counted thirteen specimens of the larva' of a species of .S'!(rji'ii'.----fly. feeding right vigorously upon them. Wo do not think we shall he able to develop the fly. because from the man- ner in which they gobble up the aphids, we do not think we shall have provender enough to last them for half a day. Some leaves had from two to three of these Stirjilixs larva' upon them : therefore, we do not think a better remedy for the destruction of the aphids need be, or c'lii be, reconiracnded. Mr. H. M. E., Marietta, Pa.— Your peach leaves are infested by the " peach aphis," or "plant lon.sc" of the peach (Aptiis prr.sica), but, unfortunately, we detected no Siirphus larva; among them, therefore your case is more precarious than the above. Drenching them with a tobacco decoction or a solution of wiiale-oil soap would bo an extinguisher, but heavy rain.s would also destroy inany of tliem. The mild past winter was very friendly to the insect world, and licnce, until the natural checks iiave an ojiportunily to operate against them, we may expect a redundancy of the noxious kinds. If we could only ctdiuiize the "Willow Wrens" as easily as we can the " English Sjiarrows," they would soon " make way" with the aphids. Mr. If. W. (I., Lnnrnxter, Pa.— In refer- ence to the gastronomical habits of the family Canii),i:, Dr. (iodman (p. HW, A. X. 11.) .says: "Their food varies acconling to cir- cumstances, and is compo.sed wholly, or in part, of animal matter, either recently killed or in a jiutrid state." But they are less positive in this respect than the VvA.mM, and yet we know cats, in a domestic state, will feed on vegetable matter— and even fruit and pickles— hut this is of rare occurrence. CORRESPONDENCE. Morells. Mk. Editor — Dear Sir: I herewith send you a box of Mushrooms (Moricles) for a holiday dinner. I trust they will tickle your palate suflicieni to move your pen once more in t>ehalf ()f the rultivatioii of thi.s delicious eseulont, which may be produced in rpiantity to supply any demand for W.—Kexpeel fully yuunt, 11. M. Fiii/le, Marietta, jiprll -lind, 1878. The highly flavored "Morells" (MerrrhtUa (undcntn), commonly called Moricles, came duly to hand, and we assure our considerate friend that they were exceedingly palatable and "toothsome," and for which we ac- knowledge a debt of gratitude. They were the flrst we had eaten for twenty years, hut so positive is this vegetable in its flavor that only a smell of it recalls other days long agonc. We certainly wish that the "movement of our pen" would or could induce some of our farmers, gardeners or truckers to embark in the cultivation of Mushrooms, Morells and Truffles. The versatile, prolilic and economi- cal French iiroduce these esculents in such large (piantities that the revenue to the gov- ernment on them alone amounts to hundrcda of thousands of francs annually ; and we verily believe that if they wore intelligently, industriously and economically cidtivated in our country they could be produced in (|uan- tity sullicient to bring their purcha.se and consumiition within the means of the common people, and this would render them as perma- nent n crop as the common potato. We have given the details of their cultivation in former numbers of The F.\RjfKi!. which we will re- publish on .some future occasion. Nothing is more grateful to the human olfactories and jialaU'than the flavor of these healthful fungi, and we have often wondered that under the jirogressive inipul.ses of our agricultural popu- lation no advance seems to have been made in this direction. Their cultivation is .so simple and so artificial that any exhausted cavern, quarry, ravine or cellar, where a uni- form temperature can he maintained, can he utilized for that lunpose without trespassing uiiou other more aralile lands devoted toother crops. A mean temi)crature of about 70', and even a lower one, is suflicient to mature the Mushroom and Morell. "A dinner of herbs, and love therewith, is better than the stalled ox and hatred therewith ;" and we be- lieve that the temiier of the crabbedest man would be mollified, on cro.ssing the thresh- hold of his domicile, if he encountered the flavor of a dish of Morells. Sai.isbt-ry, N. C. April 10, 1878. Editou Lancaster Farmer : Never before have we seen, at this season of the year, in any country we have been In, a fairer prospect for a u'ood wheat and oats crop; irrass also promises well; and the present prospect for a good crop of fruit — such as apples, peaclies, pears, plums, gaecs, crapes, &c., itc., were never so fine. Garden veeetation, such as lettuce, onions and radishes, including peas, Irish potatoes, &c., are now growing finely here In the 68 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [May, open air, and some farmers have planted corn, while others are busily eneaged in preparing their land to plant. Tobacco growers are also preparing ground for planting. This country has been blessed with good health and bountiful crops the past year, in- cluding wheat, oats, corn, Irish and sweet potatoes ; also, fruits of all kinds, such as are grown here. Everything is plentiful and cheap, except money, and that is very scarce, and business dull. The average prices of produce and provisions are as fol- lows : Cattle (beef) 9 cents a pound ; flour, $2.75 per sack of 98 pounds ; corn, 47 cents ; oats, 35 cents per do.; roll butter, 20 cents per pound; eggs, U) cents per dozen ; and all other things in proportion. I would like to see some good Lancaster county farmers come down here and settle among us, in order to show people here how to farm right. I think they could render good service here, as well as promote their own interest. — Tours, if'c, 3f. R. [ That, we think, is only a matter of time, and doubtles.s will come '"' by-and-by. " Tlic "migratory " farmers of I^ancaster county are beginning to look southward at least, and some of them are debating the question in their own minds, whether it would not pay better to go South than to "go West." Stimulated by the impulse of Horace Greeley's recommendation, some have gqne West, and think they have worsted their " previous con- dition "—some have returned dissatisfied and chop-fallen. Some might object to the low prices of faiTQ products in the South, but we think that is only temporary ; moreover, except in the vicinity of towns and railroads, the prices are no better in the West than they are in the South. — Ed.] Columbia, Pa., April 15th, 1878. Prof. S. S. Rathvon— J/y Dear Friend: At first I advised you by mail that the February number of The Farmer failed to put in an appearance at my place. This you forgot all about. When I personally called on you then you said you will nom not forget. Well, I suppose you are getting rather too ranch business on your mind, so that some things may be forgot as well as others. Now you send me another copy of the March number, which I had already. So I'll make another appeal — don't send me January or March number, but if you have got a spare copy of February number I will be thankful for a copy to keep my file complete. The April number is now due. I have a lot, some three dozen, of those Japan persimmon seeds, from Mr. Loomis, of California. They are already sprouting in pots. I have an idea that when grown from seeds the trees will be more likely to accomodate themselves to our climate than trees grafted in California, where the climate is warmer. Time will tell if I am right ; I may not live to carry out the experiment, still somebody m-iy see the result. Then, too, I may not get the particu- lar varieties ; however, like other fruits from seed, there may be good varieties originate from seed. — Very respect fulhj, J. B. Garber. "Now, sonny, you run to the grocery, quick, and bring a mackrel and half a pound of butter, and, 'hold on,' a si.\-pennv loaf of bread for breakfast. " Away ran the boy at the top of his speed, but lucklessly met another boy, who bantered him to play a game of marbles; and, consequently, when he returned home he had half a pound of beeswax and a plug of tobacco, and no bread at all. Evi- dently that boy had more business on hand than his mind coidd compass. We often find ourself in that condition, and can only throw ourself upon the indulgence of our friends and patrons. — Ed. For The Lakoaster Farmeb. LATE PLANTED PEACHBLOWS. . A few years ago, a farmer living near tliis city came into the Agricultiu-al Department with some remarkably'large Peachblow pota- toes. He had planted them early in July, in mellow soil, and, the season being favorable, they grew finely until an October frost cut down the green, luxuriant vines. They had ripened just sufficiently, and had yielded a very large crop of unusually large potatoes — hardly any small ones among them. They were so handsome, large, and of fine flavor, that he had been offered an extra price for them. His experiment was so similar to one I had tried while residing in Perry, N. Y., in 185G, that I will also give that as an instance of success in late planting. We had had a dry spell up to July 4th, Wlien it was broken by a shower. The next day I planted a vacant bed of rich, mellow ground, with some badly sprouted peacliblows. Some amused neighbors said I was planting them for "Jack Frost," but as only my labor could be lost, I planted them. The weather kept them steadily growing, and we had no severe fro.st until about the 10th of October. I hastened to harvest my crop, and was aston- ished at the size of my potatoes, and the quantity — although the skins slipped on a few, until exposure to the air hardened them. They also proved superior in flavor to any peachblows we liad ever eaten. My neighliors were as much surprised at my success, and at the size of the tubers, as myself. I think that both quantity and quaVdn, and the ripening of such a slow grower, was mainly owing to the fact that the growth was never checked in the least — almost every day of the season, between July 5th and October, being good growing weather. Had I opportunity and means, I would like to repeat the experiment on a small scale, by planting at a favorable time, at the close of June, or beginning of July. I planted from four to six inches deep, and hilled them when hoeing — old fashion. I once planted early kidneys in my garden, in Marietta, on the 2-2d of February, in a dry, sheltered spot, and covered them well, and mulched them with potato vines. I removed the mulch late in March or early in April, and found them coming up finely. They yielded good cooking potatoes about a week earlier than those in the neighborhood plauted on March 17— St. Patrick's day. These I hoed flat or level, because they were planted very deep. The season, also, was very favor- able, after spring fairly opened.—^. JS. O., Washington, D. C. For The Lancaster Farmer. REVU OF APRIL NUMBER. Kitchen Garden Calender. — Thos hu hav not foloed its directions at the proper tim can do so yet, but tha wil hav to put up with short crops or non at al. Health Suggestions. — Thes ar gud, but wont amount to much, whil peple cater mor to ther apetites than to ther helth. Milk, Cheese and Sugar. — If the ideas of A. H. W. ar corect, som ov the farmers ov yur county wud beter turn ther atention that wa, sine the tobaco mania has somwat sub- sided. Mankind wud surly not sufer by the chang. United States Entomologist. — Prof. R. has accomplished much, but in the U. S. Ag. De- partment he wud be the rit man in the rit plac. We liop he wil be apointed. Scale Insects of the Peach. — What next ? It .sems that if we wish to enjoy fruts, certan we must understand the habits of insects, wich ar geting nu secrets every yer. The Cultivation of Wheat.— Vfe repet that this is an important question, and is destined to becom a fixed factor in whet groing. Pleas mark our predictions. The Brighton Grape luks wel on paper, and we hav sen and tasted sf)m that wer O. K., but having som foren blod we are not sur that it wil prov without fait. Barnyard Manure. — Any person hu thinks that Col. J. Y. dos not no what he rits aljout, had beter go and se his firm, which Pres't Grant is sad to have pronounced the best managed in the country. Col. Y. don't belev in ignorant farmers ether. With al his suc- ces he sas he lacks inteligence to conduct his bisnes as he wishes. Som ov the members ov yur county societe, hu sometims sner at in- teligent and progresive farming, mit profit by paing a visit to Col. Y's farm, specialy yur 100 bus. corn man. Manures and Soil Fertilizers {concluded.) — J. I. C. is another ov thos wild visionary farmers, hu has not fer ov old foges befor his I's. Altho he delivered his lectur befor yur county societe meting and which semed to" be wel receved, but after al som think ther dadis new mor about farming than J. I. C, and tha prefer to folio ther dadis example. We hav only to sa that if J. I. C.'s lalxu's ar not apreciated by the present generation of farm- ers we hop the rising won wil profit therby. We consider his lectur an excelent won. Various N'utes.—J. B. G. seldom fails to mak gud hits. His verdict against the Italian be is not at al modifid. On dep and shalo tre planting he sems to be on both sides, but we think the dep planted orchard which he aludes to, wud hav don as wel or even beter, had it ben set shallo. Hovey Seedling Strawberry. —This bery mit pas among the grat nu guns under a uu nam, altho it mit not yeld as many bushels per acre as potatos, specialy if we cud gro 700 bus., as yur member from Conestogo clams can be don. Then .32 quarts per bus. , at even 10 cents, wud amount to $2,240, which wud bet tobaco al holo, and be relished more by many. Varieties of Fruit for Pennsylvaiiia.—B.. M. E. is considered authority on fruts, but we think he has left som gud kinds out, and som which he recommended wud be rejected by som planters. Hard Times. — If suchfeding and dresing as A. B, G. had when young wud mak such men as he, the country shiid comence bisnes on a larg seal. With a majority ov such, our country wud present a very diferent aspect. Fraud and politicl gambling wud be at a dis- count. Farm JSTotes.—J. G. givs gud hints. It is not tu lat yet to folio his directions. Facts for i^acmers. —Californians sem alwas to be boring with big augurs, and Berks county is urged to folio with one of sam siz. We think Lancaster shud order one stil larger, as she shud never be behind Berks. She shud first positively get out the 700 bushel potato crop, then folio with sam amount of straw- beries, after which Californy wud hav to luk after her laurels. Celandine. — To which we sing mum. We no nothing about it. Clothes moths ar a nusance. Shud tha multiply largly it mit improv the tobaco market. Correspondence from North Carolina. — M. R. cannot se why The Lancaster Farmer is not beter patronized at hom. Nether can we, unles tha lov the mite dolar mor than progres in ther caling. Around, the Farm. — Ruralist sems to hav his I's open. His saingsar short but alwas to the point. Questions on Fertilizers. — A. B. K. has handled this question remarkably wel. His articl shos that he has given it a mor thoro consideration than farmers generaly do. It is worth revuing by any farmer hu has comon sens enuf to draw useful deductions therfrom. Proceedings of Agricultural and Horticultural Society. — Thes ar alwas interesting, altho tha somtiras bar considerabl sifting. 'The ques- tion refered to Mr. Ililler, was wel ansered. He brot out som gud points, as he seldom fals to do. The essay of M. D. Kendig on beauti- fying country horns, was also excelent, and much in ad vane of the sentiments ov som ov the members hu semed to sner a iitle at such tomfulery. The mor progresive gav it ther harty endorsmeut. How to rais 100 bus. ot corn to the acr by Mr. B. was handled som- what ironicaly, but brot out som gud points. He evidently don't belev in fancy farming. The groers of the weed continue to hold ther monthly metiugs, but the enthusiasm is not so grat as formerly. The Linnrean metings shud increas when one held in ther nu hal. It wud do som ov yur farmers gud to alend thos metings. A Iitle mor siens wud not bio them up.- Fon Humholt. ^ The publisher of The Farsier having in his possession a collection of all the pennies coined, with the exception of 1793, 1799 and 1804, and being desirous to procure these three dates, to complete his collection, would ask the patrons of The Farmer to look over their old coins and see if they have any of such dates, for which I would be willing to pay them a hundred times their commercial value, by sending or bringing them in person to the publisher, at the Examiner and Express otlice, No. 9 North Queen street, Lancaster. 1878. THE LANCASTER FARMER. 69 THE MENNONITE GRASS-BURNER. HY PROF. J. D. nUTLKI!. No house in W:ishiiigton is such ;i .Trtpanese go 111 as the lioiiie of tJeiu^rnl Iloriicc ('apron. Tliis sfiitlfinii'i, K"i"g '■^> Japan in 1S71, took Willi liini liis carriage and horses, lie was soon requested to lend his turn-out to Ihc Emperor, and then invited to the palace, ■where his majesty said to him : "Sir! I have sent for you to thank you personally for intro- (B) (O IF) («) o n 6 o S ® n aa Si 1=' S c o 2 a o " &< O ducing such animals into my country. I never knew before that they existed on the face of the earth." The General was then employed to put up a flouring mill — as bread was no less unknown than horses to the Japanese. Nor were his rolls less welcome than his roadsters. He also built a saw-mill wliich cut twelve thou.sand feet daily — which was all that six hundred sawyers could do. Among other services he showed how to can salmon, and so rendered their fishery ten times more valuable than it had been. He had his reward. Everything rich and rare tliat had l)een garnered up in the imperial treasure-house was lavished upon him, and he came home laden with the spoils of the farthest East. If Republicans were as rich as the Mikado, the Nebraskahs would bestow a similar testimonial on the Mennonites who have settled among them. Those Ru.ssiau exiles have introduced a variety of fuel which will prove as great a boon to prairie States as horses or mills to Japan. They have demonstrated that every farmer may find on his own home- stead, if not a coal mine, yet whatever he needs to burn on his hearth. Russian Reports. Though I was long ago a traveler in Russia, my attention was never called to the Russian style of heating until 1S7.'!. In that year, being on a western tour, I fell in with seven Mennonite deputies in quest of a new home for their iico|ile. who for conscience's sake were forced to leave their old one on the Black Sea. « We were together in various parts ol> ! Nebraska. Along the Republican and ' smaller streams wo found a good growth of timber, but every acre it stood on had been snapped up either by settlers or speculators. Much to my astonishment I discovered that my comjianions liked the country. In talking with German squatters whoui we had called upon, they had ascertained tliat the crop was twice as large as that where they came from. "When I asked, "what will you do for fuel?" their answer was: "Look around. We see it ready to our hands in every straw stack and on every prairie. Grass and straw are what we, and our fathers before us, have always used." We passed one even- ing by a brick kiln in Crete, which was fired up with coal. They remarked to me that they Qould burn brick without either coal or wood. Personal Observations. Thejr report on tlieir return to Europe was such as to bring a tluuisand of their co-roli- gioiiists into Nebraska. And while a large numlier of tliose people have gone into ^lani- toba, Minneswta, Kansas and Dakota, it is true, 1 think, that the best cla.ss have made their homes in Noljraska, and in that State are to be found th(^ most prosjjerous colonies. Two of tlieir seltlenienls there I clianced to visit last autumn — one near IJeatrice, on the Big Blue, and the other farther west \n York county. Mindful of my conver.salioMs four years before, my first inipiiry was regarding fuel, and the mode of using it. In every house 1 entered, my curiosity was gratiliod. The first dinner I ate cooked with grass, 1 sot down as a novelty in my experience. A few wiu'ds of mine concerning the Mennonite de- vii'e for cooking and heating were inserted in a letter which appeared in the Chicago 'J'inus last October, and in a pamphlet entitled a " September Scamper. " This notice has over- whelmed me with letters begging for further particulars, not onlj' from various Stales but from aljroad, and even from New Zealand. These letters 1 could not answer, even with a manifold letter-writer, and 1 have, therefore, prepared the present circular, which the post- oflice can scatter like snow- flakes. The Mennonite Heater. The grass furnace or stove is nothing costly, or complicated, or likely to get out of order. On the other hand it is a contrivance so siuiplo that many will say of it as'oiie man did when he first saw a I'ailroad track : " Nobody but a fool could have thought of so simi)le a tiling I" In a word, as the Irishman made a cannon by taking a large hole and pouring iron around it, so the Mennonite UKjlher of food and warmth is developed by piling brick or stones round a hollow. Aware that such generalities are too vague, I will make my description more specific, and since the eye catches in an instant wliat the ear cannot learn in an hour, I have also had a SIDE VIEW OF THE "MENNONITE GRASS - BURNER," central as jio.ssible, because heat tends to diftu.se itself on all sides alike. Furnaces will, of course, vary in size with the size of houses. A good model is that shown in the diagraTU. Its length is live feet, its height six, and its width two and a half. The bricks employed are about six hundred, unless the walls bi'of extraordinary thickness. The structure may be said to have six stories. 1, the a.sh-box ; 2, the lire-box ; 3, the oven ; 4, smoke passage; 5, hot air chamber ; C, GEOUND PLAN OF HOUSE, Showliii; Locitfoa of ?tinuco. n KITCHEN ♦ F.^^ SITTING ROOM OR ^ TWO BED ROOMS STORE AND WOOD ROOM EXPLANATIONS! 1 ,1) Furnncp Door to Kire-Box. (B) LowtT open- ID*^, at) Bbowu in Hide, aud uncd for cuoking place. t C) Heating or upper opeulog nu bittliii; HKim or bud r o u m Bido. a chimney or to a Farnace Door to Fire-Bux. Draft. Pipe. Chamber with Iron Shutter (hinged) to let out heat. Thip chamber has doors on both sides of Furnace. Oven or cooking place on Kitchen Bide of Furnace. B -^^ Til J L _L r diagram prepared which will render the whole mystery plain and level to the lowest capacity. (Sec diagrams. ) Construction. The material used for the Russian furnace seems unimportant. Some employ conniion brick, others stone ; one builder told me he preferred to mix one part of sand with two of clay. In his judgm"nt this mixture retained heat longest for radiation through a house. The positiou of the furnace is natiually as smoke passage either to drum in an upper room. Many (luestions have been a.sked me a.s to the size of the fire or fuel-box. Its length is about four feet, its width and height each about a foot and a half. It is asked, "How is the grass pressed or prepared for the lire- box V" It is not prepared at all, but is thrust in with a fork as one would throw fodder into a rack. Peo)>le suppose they must be putting in this fuel all the time. This is not the fact. At the house of Bishop Peters, (4.SX-27 feet,) which is a large one for a new country, the grass or straw is pitched in for about twenty minutes twice, or at most three times, in twenty- four hours. That amount of tiring up sufliccs both for cooking and comfort. It will be observed that the heated air strikes the oven, and also the reservoir of hot air both above and below, and that no jiarticle of hot air reaches the chimney (ill after turning four corners. It works its passage. The iron plates, doors and shutters are such as any foundry can furnish. They are inex- liensive. In a case where I inquired the cost, it was five dollars. Present Use — Prospective Utility. Near a score of years ago, when I first pushed west of the Mi.ssouri, my feeling was, " What a corn-and-wheat-growing capability here runs to waste ! What myriads of bull'alocs, too, have been shot merely for the petty dainty of their tongues 1" So now in the light of Men- nonite experience, many a Yankee in Nebraska sees that he h»s thrown away a cooking and warming power that had millions in it. lie long ago laughed at his father smothering bees in order to secure Iheir honev, and at his neihgbor who put into his stove the corn which he might have sold, the same year, for fifty cints a bushel. He now laughs with the other side of his mouth at himself for burning out doors that jirairie i)roducewliich, if burned in doors, would have saved him, too, many a dollar. lie who thus laughs will need no preaching to make him sciuare his i>ractice in the matter of cookery and house-warming ac- cording to the Mennonite plan. His faith will be stronger than ever, that the Providence which created quinine where chills prevail, as well as perfumes where negroes are most numerous, and provided buflfalo-chips for the 70 THE LANCASTER 'FARMER. [May, Indian in tlie far west, has there alsofnruished fuel for tlie civilized settler — "grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven" — a gift which, if he makes full proof of it, will be sufficient for all his needs. Straw and old prairie grass have been thought as useless as grave stones after the resurrection. But the recent utilizing of them is in keeping with the spirit of the age — with developing patent Hour best suited to human uses from that part of wheat which had been the food of hogs, and with planing mills so contrived that they feed their boilers with their own shavings. Indeed, it surpasses all witty inventions in its line, unless it be the proposal, just now started, for turning even tramps to account, by clapi)ing them into the regular army, and sending them among In- dians to scalp,or to be scalped, no matter which. Many Nebraska Yankees were made happy last winter, thanks to the Mennonite stove. More will be next winter. That household blessing to an outsider seems capable of little improvement. Bnt the Yankee will improve it, for he has improved everything else he has borrowed — everything from watches to steam engines, ships, and even religion. In fact, his betterments in the last article are said to be as manifold " As If religion were intemJed .For DOthiiis: else but to he mended." Thus Yankee cuteness may render tlie Rus- sian stove simpler, smaller, cheaper — of better material — of more elegant design — of more economical combustion. But as now used by Nebraska Mennonites, it is worthy of all ac- ceptation liy every prairie pioneer. A Hiber- nian, hearing of a stove that would save half his wood, said he would buy two and save the whole. The save-all that he was after, he would have found in a Mennonite grass-burner. ^ For The Lanoasteb Farmer. PROROGATING BY NATURAL SELEC- TION. There is a great deal published in The Farmer about grafting fruit trees, and also how to plant, prune and cultivate trees, and especially so in the March number, and I am in perfect agreement with them, so far as they go, but it seems to me that none of them commenced at the bottom of the foundation. I will try to give a hint of my ideas on the subject if I can. We all are aware that trees are started from a seed. We will take the apple as an instance. When I was a boy we used to go to the cider mill of a neighbor to make our cider. A nurseryman lived close by, and he usually visited the mill with a sieve, to sieve the seeds out of the pomace, and probablj' that is the way that most nur- serymen get their seed ; and in that way they get all kinds of seed, and generally of the poorest fruit, for tlie poorest fruit is always made into cider. But to my mind, this is not the right way. If we select any kind of grain .seed, we always select the very best, and why not the same in fruit ? I prefer to select seed from good, nice, large apples, and from such trees as are hardy and vigorous growers. Plant such seed, and on the stock raised from it graft with scions from equally vigorous trees. For early apples the seed from early apples should be planted ; for fall, the seed from fall apples, and for hard or late keeping apples, the seed from the same. For sweet apples ])lant the seed from sweet apples, and tliey will be sweeter when they are grafted on a sweet stalk than on a soiir one. I would advise farmers and plantei's to raise their own trees and start them in this manner. There are some medium-sized apples — and even small apjiles — that are very good, and that we don't like to be without. If these are grafted on stock raised from the Jarger varieties, we may expect larger fruit thau usual. This is natural ; if we want to raise large horses, we must not only have a large horse, but we must have both the horse and the mare large, and why not the same with the apple, or any other kind of fruit ? Wc often hear ])eople who have bought apple trees complain that tliey were not what tlxey were recommended to be. About twenty- three years ago I went to a nursery to get some apple trees for my father. Amonjj them were two trees that they called "Spoonhower, " and the apples from them were almost worth- less. Altliough the trees had been grafted I don't think tliey had been grafted with that fruit. Now, another thing, some apple trees are from nature slow growers ; I would plant none of them. For instance, the Rambo is a slow grower, but I woidd not forget or ignore it on that account, as Mr. L. S. R. did in the March number of The Farmer, page 42. I would plant a vigorous grower of a late winter apiile, either wild or grafted, and let it grow about ten years, and then graft the Rambo on its limbs, and in lifteen years from planting it will produce as much fruit as two trees that are planted Rambo in the beginning. The same with other fruits. Tliese remarks may not prove satisfactory, and these results may not be realized fully on the first trial. I often hear people say, if they plant small potatoes they get just as nice pota- toes as when they plant large ones ; but if we try the thing ariglit we will soon perceive the difference. If we plant small potatoes in one row and large ones in another, side by side, there will be little difference, if any, the first year. But if we plant small potatoes, year after year, they will gradually degenerate, and we can raise no nice large potatoes after •sevei'al yeai's of this kind of culture, and I have no doidit it will be the same with fruit. [The above involves a rational application of the system of "natural selection;" but it is not pretended thereby that an apple will be ultimately changed to a pear or quince ; a cherry to a plum or peach ; or a common potato to a sweet potato or a yam ; but that by always selecting the best seeds, each va- riety will be improved in quality. — Ed. The most pressing work is now almost over, for a short time at least. Now is a good time to prepare for hay -making and harvest. Get out the mower and reaper, the hay-tedder and the rake on the threshing floor or some other convenient place to put everything in order ; tighten up the bolts, and'see that everything is properly adjusted and repaired. This can be done on rainy days with every implement. If new implements are needed, purchase them in time. Clean out the barn, put up the hay- hook. Get all things ready as far as possible. Just before hay-making is generally a busy time. In cultivating the corn, if the machines are not looked after until they are wanted to go to the fields, it sometimes takes a whole day before we can get them successfully in motion, and much valuable time is lost. Also, have a lot of bolts on hand of difl'erent sizes. If anything breaks it can often be .soon mended with a few bolts. If hay or grain is intended to be stacked, haul the rails needed for the foundation to the places where they will cause no delay wlien hay or grain is ready to be hauled away. — /. Gr. , Warmick. [These things are all very essential, although they may seem to be small affairs. It is "procrastination" in these matters which always proves such a "thief of time," and ar- rests the progress of the most skillful labors. Progress involves the activity of every kind of farm labor; and it is often wfse to give heed to that "stitch in time which saves nine." — Ed.] For The Lancaster Farmer. AROUND THE FARM.— No. 8. Caterpillars. From present indications our fruit and ornamental trees will be denuded extensively of their foliage by the caterpillars this sum- mer. Every reflecting mind will at once de- termine what to do, but as there are some minds that are not reflecting a little caution may lienetit them. Every man, woman and' child should at once wage a vigorous war of extermination against them, not stopping short of complete annihilation, for by this means only will our trees be saved. They may not be as numerous in other parts of the county as in this (Manor twp.,) but if they are, .shade trees in August will be as scarce as politicians after ISIay 25th. The remedy most easily applied is burning. Take an old tin • funnel or fruit can, fasten to a pole, and put therein cotton saturated with coal oil, set fire to this and hold it under the nest long enough to completely destroy it. This is the best way 1 know beside hand jiicking, though a severe remedy to the caterpillar. But on the princi- ple of "half a loaf better than no bread," so is a severe remedy better than none at all. Propagating Gardens. Few persons can be more fond of a ramble through the country, peeping "around the farm" of others of my fellow-farmers, to see their methods of "running the business." I can always learn something new, as no two farmers run a farm exactly alike. A few days ago I took such a ramble amongst the farmers and found much to commend, but also some things to condemn. I am a great lover of flowers and ornamental foliage iilants, and I think they should be cul- tivated to a considerable, extent. In my rambles I met several farmers whose tastes also run in that direction, but I think they overdo the business and make regular propa- gating gardens of their farms. For instance, one ifriend raises large quantities of the *Co)n-oh-ulus arvensis. As he does not sell any plants; he raises merely for show ! Along the fence he also has large beds of Saponuria officinnlis. With extra success he cultivates the Clrshim arvense, a very beautiful plant, with fragrant pinkLsh blossoms. As the plant is armed with spines it is not likely to be mo- lested by either man or beast, and on that ac- count is a desirable (?) field plant. It is readily propagated by seeds and by extensions of the root. He also has one field in the "Lancaster County Century plant, ' ' the Verbascimi thapsus, with its long spike of beautiful yellow flowers. Another farmer I saw cultivating the Sam- huetis canadensis, a shrub six or eight feet high with beautiful foliage. He says it thrives best along the fences, and is readily propo- gated by pieces of root. He has a great de- mand for the stems from boys for pop-guns and whistles. Close by, also, along the fences he cultivates the Lappa major, raising seeds for next year ; this is an introduced European plant, and has large tropical looking leaves. It is perfectly hardy, will grow in any rich soil, and the full-grown heads are often used to decorate the tails of cows and horses. On another farm I noticed preparations going on for a full supply of seed for next year's gratui- tous distribution among neighboring farmers of the Rumex crf'.spws, the beautiful broad-leaved Plantago major. AscJeinas, Syriaca, Taraxacum, Polygonum Malva mtundifolia, Triticum repiiif, Linum vulgare, Hypericum perforatum and also the Ambrosia artcmisiafoUa to seed after the wheat is cut. In my homeward journey I came across a gardener that had complete success in growing the Porlulacca oZeracca ,■ some call it " pussley. " He culti- vates it as a pot herb in spring. Nearly all these plants will flourish along fences and stone walls and odd corners of the fields, are all easily raised, and save a heap of trouble to the cultivator. But I seriously doubt if it pays a man to devote more of his farm than a good-sized lawn to floral embellishment. If the farmers referred to above, continue to raise these plants they will, in a few years, be so common as to lie vulgar, and we advise them to cultivate more sparingly. They give a certain wild, "free and easy " look to a place which is ornamental, if your taste runs in that direction. — Ruralist, Creswell, Pa. • *Perliaps it would be wolf to explain to my non- bntanii'al readers what is meant by the above names in ItalU:-;. The C'anpohnilus is the common bind weed, too dillicult to destroy; Saponaria, Bouncing Bet; Cirsium, Canada Thistle ; Verbascum, Mullein ; kambticus. Elder; Lappa, Burdock; Humex, the docks ami sorrels ; Plantaqo, plantains ; Asctepias, milkweck ; Taraxacum, Dandelion ; Pohjgomim, Smart Weed ; .Uali'a, Mallow ; I'l-Uicum, Couch Grass; Hypericum, St. John's Wort; Ambrosia, Kae: Weed ; Portulacca, Purslane ; Sinum vulgare, Toad Flax. After reading this note no doubt you will understand the above. 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 71 EUREKA TREE AND POST HOLE DIG- GER. This tool lias bri'U tlioi-ongiily Icstcil during Ur' past lluvc years, and as ypt no place lias been I'ounil where it has failed to do its work satisfactorily. The i)riiH-ipal on which it works prevents adhesion in sticky soils, hence it always works free and easy ; no eloijsinj;, no knee work, no backaclie. U is far superior to all plnni;ers, aui^ers and borint; machines, as it works c(iually well in stony, sandy and clay soils. (Quicksand nnder water is as cer- tainly handled and removed as thouijh no water existed. Hundreds have used them for sotting curbs in wells where there was (piick- sand. For settint,' out trees and transplanting it is unc(pialled, also for cleansing out wells and for tiling. One man with this dig- ger can do five times as much work in the same time as can be done in any other way. One great advantage in using the Eureka Digger is, that you need make the post hole only a little larger than the post, thus causing it to set lirmer than wliere a large hole is dug. The size of the hole dug is bounded only by the re- quirements of its purpose and can be made of any in- clination or shape, and any- thing that can be reduced \ i or loosened to live inches or less in diameter can be easily removed. As con- \ggi j j structed for ordinary use it will dig readily four feet fBlBlftl deep. Its durability will equal any tool made for any purpose, the material being best cast-ste(d. But should any pait fail from use or accident du|>licate |)arts can be furnished ; in this way it can be kept good for a gen- eration. Every tool is warranted and guaranteed that any person can do what is claimed for it, and do not hesitate to say that it stands without a rival, and is not only a practical but an indispensa- ble tool for every man who has land to fence, trees to set out and desires to practice economy. The (Trand iledal of the Centennial Exhi- bition has been awarded this digger for '•dis- tinguished merit" and "great excellence." It has also received the prize at si.x State and twenty County Fairs, and has always received the premium wherever it has been exhibited. Directions. Cut B represents the digger ready for -drop- ping or throwing into the soil. Cut A represents it as used in lifting tlie dirt from the hole. The length of tiie steel blade is nine inches, and the extreme length of the tool fve feet; weight only nine pnunrh. Throw the digger into the ground as yon would a bar or drill, and when the soil is loosened spread the handle to hold the dirt in the digger while drawing from the hole. Press the dirt in the digger before drawing from the hole as yon will fmd it unload easier. When the soil is sand or gravel, out of, or under water, remove the guard, letting the blades come to- gether at the bottom, and you will lind no soil it will not draw, even throuirh two or tlu'ee feet of water. Keep all but the hinge-bolt tight. For sale by Israel L. Landis, at Xorthern Market, Lancaster city. Pa., and at hardware and agricultural stores throughout the United States and Canada. During the Centennial thousands of them were sold throughout the country, from Maine to California. Large numbers have also been exported to Canada, West Indies, South Ameri- ca, England, France, Germany and Australia. GARDEN VEGETABLES. For the successful cultivation of garden vegetables, the use of chemicals and minerals is inucli lietter adapted than that of animal excrements or stable manure to supply in suflicient ulnnidancc and in the most availa- ble form those neces.sary constituents found wanting in soils, or abstrated slowly from those long under cultivation by successive crops. There is a marked difference to be observed between vegetables grown upon soil where chemicals and minerals are used and those where stable manure is employed, the former being less watery, more solid, of better quality, texture and tlavor. Pig's dung is characterized by an exceed- ingly unjdeasant odor, which when apiilied to the land it imparts to the crojis, and especially to the root-crops which are manured with it ; even tol)acco when manured with jiig's dung is so much tainted that the leaves subsetiuent- ly collected are unlit for smoking. Sickness, resembling typhoid fever, has been cau.sed in horses and cattle pastured on land where sew.age was used, and may not vegeta- bles grown in soil where effete matter is used, be one reason for the prevalence of this dis- ease ¥ If so it i« at once prevented by remov- ing the cause ; while by the use of the neces- sary chemicals and minerals adapted to the various crops, no loss is sustained by_ the market gardens; rather are they helped to" a strong and more vigor- ous-producing capacity of larger ami better crops, and at less cost than the use of stable manure entails. I'astures, a jiortion being dressed with barn manure, and a portion with chemicals and minerals and some left undressed, and cattle turned in, they will seek the portion dressed with chemicals, to the ex- clusion of other parts, that portion dressed with liarn manure being entirely neglected. Animals are subject to all the dangers which alle'ct the health of human beings ; thus, disease among cattle may spread unchecked through an ex- tensive district from one seed-bed of pestilence and contagion, as we have seen in pastures on which cat- tle from Texas had been kept. The dreaded disease diptheria springs from the growth of a nauseous fungi caused by olVensive surround- ings, a defective drain or badly con- ducted privy, and may not the milk of cows that are kept on such fields be contaminated, and tlins rendered unfit for food, and lie one cau.se of the mortality among children?— And. 11. Ward, Briihjcivater, Mif^. LETTER FROM IOWA. IIoM.AXi), Grunilv CO., Iowa, } May ibth, 18T8. S Editor larmer: According to, promise ere I left the quiet city ol Lancaster, I will give you a farmer's opinion of Central Iowa. I arrived at this place some- what over a week ago, and find it a "smart" little town ; it is but an infant, being only a year old, yet vies with towns of an older growth ; there are two drug stores, three grocery store.'i, two dry good stores, one hard- ware store, one furniture store, bank, three lumber and coal yards, one four-story steam grist mill, two agricultural implement stores, hotel, as fine as any in yinir city, newsi>aper, IMUindJourna}, and is situated at the termini of the Pacific division of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Hailroad, in as fine a farming country as can be found any- where. The land is of a rich, sandy loam, as black as soot, to the depth of two to ten feet, rolling, affording splendid surface drainage, well watered liy brooks and small streams, (here called rivers). There is also considerable wood througliout this country, both from natural and artificial groves. Fruits of all kinds seem to fionrish here ; small fruits, such as wild strawberries, raspberries, lilackberries, gooseberries anil crab apples; the cultivated .sorts seem to llourish wherever planted. A farm southwest of this place, owncul and oc- cupied by .Judge Marble, the lands adjoining the village, has an orchard of (),(106 apple trees, (how is that for apples?) the major jiart in hearing condition ; liesidesall kinds of small fruits in bearing condition. His farm consists of 1,'J.")0 acres of asfnie land as can be seen any- where, well water- ed and splendid groves. The whole of I he land is under c u 1 1 i vation, and presents the aji- pcaranceof a "farm well tilled. "1 wish, Mr. Editor, you could be here to see this beautiful spot ; lay by your editorial pen and come see us. Possi- bly you think this an extensive farm, so it is in the eyes of your correspon- dent, but here we must become ac- customed to see the cattle upon a "thousand hills," and those hills j ^— • ^.-.o owned by the • * J ^ ' >J .fudge; a day spent Willi liiiii \\\\\ W'A ^Inii-tly be forgotten. There is pieii(y of land here just as good as bis, and the mystery to us is that this beautiful part of Central Iowa has been overlooked by Pennsylvania farmers seeking homes in tlic west. Small grains, such as wheat and oats, grow to perfection ; about two-fifths of the county is in those cereals. Corn is also aliundantly grown. The only drawliack to this county is that the farms are too large and farmed on the shares, the owner receiving one-third and the farmer two- thirds ; thus the land is robbed and very in- differently cared for, which would not be the case if the farms were smaller and cultivated by the owners. The jiopulation consists largely of foreign (ii-rmans, in-iuci]ially Hollanders, and are good citizens. The live stock consists of thoroughbred cattle, short-horns, as fine as reared anywhere ; of hogs, the Poland China are made asjiecialty, ancl none but pure bloods are raised. Anthony Eraser, formerly of Lin- coln, in your county, seems to take the lead in raising this breed to i)erfection ; his stock is snught lor breeding purposes, and com- mands almost fabulous iirices. Farmers are about through with their spring lilanting, and for the i)ast few days grain has commenced coming in large quantities, bringing reasonaVily good prices, considering the times. — \V. 11. Spera. HO^A? CAN POULTRY BE MADE PRO- FITABLE TO THE FARMER?* In the limited time necessarily allotted for an essay before our association, only general rules can be states that arc raised from ciitlinys, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, are by many supposed to yield equally well from large or small tubers, and that neither quality nor quantity will be unfavorably affected l)y using the smaller specimens for seed. This is, I be- lieve, on the theory, that as the cuttings are parts of the plants the new plants will, of cour.se, be like the parent plant, aud that the small sized tubers have not deteriorated, liut are simply not matured or fully grown. In England an immature (not fully grown) (lotato is generally preferred for seed to one that has thoroughly ripened, as the former is thought to make cuttings that are more certain to grow. The question of using large potatoes, or small ones, for planting is an old one, and has never been settled, and for this reason I would infer that it makes very little difference which kind is used, for if any dillereuce existed in favor of the larger tubers it would have long ago been settled to the satisfaction of all intelligent agriculturists. We now come to the other part of the sub- ject— the raising of new varieties. In order to understand and practice this mode intelligently, it must be distinctly under- stood that there are two sexes in plants as well as in animals, sometimes on different plants, sometimes on the same plant, in most cases in the same flower, la order that seed I may be produced, pollen, a yellowish du.st, from the anther nl' the stamen (the male part of the i>laut) must fall on the pistil (the female jiart of the plant,) aiul this is called fertilizing the llower. There are three dilVerent phases of ferlili/ing : 1st. When the plants arc only distantly re- lated to each other, as wheat anlautiiigs nnist be made at different jieriods, so that some of the Stalks will bloom at the .same time. New varieties of potatoes and fruits are easily raised !)y merely planting the seeds produced, for all these have been so often crossed that to .spirt (change from the parent) seems to have become a s»'cond nature. No sanguine expectations, however, must be in- dulged ill over any seedling until it has per- fected fruit, for probably not one in a hun- dred, wlieu the seed is from a good variety, will be as good as the parent, and to surpass a really good parent variety may take thou- sands of seedlings. It is very ofi;eu the case that a good seedling may be raised which will surpass the parent in one or two points, but fall far short in others. The crossing of varieties has teen made a business or .a pleasure by some, the most noted among which are in strawberries, Scth Boy- den ; in eherrie»s. Dr. Kirtland ; in grapes, Mr. Rogers ; in potatoe.s, Mr. Pringle, who has now turned his attention to spring wheat. These men have all been successful, and no doubt awe their success to giving their undi- vided attention to ))roducing a certain result and not scattering their efforts. The producing of new varieties by crosses is exceedingly ditficult in wheat, oats and similar grains, as also in turuip, carrot, beet 74 THE LANCASTER PARMER. [May, and similar roots, and must be left to the pro- fessional liybridizer, who is generally well known to the seed trade, and who can dispose to advantage anything new that is an im- provement over old varieties ; the common farmer very likely would not be able to dis- pose seeds of such improved varieties at a higher price than the regular price ruling, and thus would have only the pleai^ure nf knowing tliat he has done some good and be out of pocket by the operation, tor it takes time and money to raise improved varieties, by crosses of the crops last mentioned. The jiroper sphere of the regular farmer is to get the best variety he can find, and then keep it up or improve it by selection. — A. B. K. THE DAIRY SITUATION. Importance and Rapid Development of Dairy- ing in America— Danger Ahead — Over-pro- duction Possible Only from Making Poor Cheese, Poor Butter, and Then Certain Ad- vice to Milk Producers and Dairy Butter Makers, Which, if Heeded, Great Loss Will be Saved This Year — Importance of Market- ing Goods While Fresh — Encourage Home Consumption and Sale at Home Whenever Possible, Etc. BY .1. n. REALL, OF PniLADELPHIA. The dairy industry is now commanding a degree of attention commensurate with its importance, from both consumers and pro- ducers. The superior merits of American cheese and butter, and the prolitableness of their production, where given especial atten- tion, have set all interested in the subject to thinking, while commerce begins to recognize their value to the trade of the country, the magnitude of which few realize. And yet the most intelligent observers, and those best in- formed on the suljject, regard the development of the dairy industry as but yet in its infancy. A careful consideration of the question, in all its relations, will lead any one to the same conclusion. In less than thirty years the fac- tory system of cheese making has grown from one establishment to three thousand. In that brief period the production has grown from 25,000,000 lbs. per annum to over ;iOO,000,000 pounds, and the exports have increased pro- portionately. Instead of a decline in prices, an advance of nearly one hundred per cent. has resulted, and they are now relatively higher than ever before. Ten years ago there were no cheese factories west of Central New York, except on the Western Beserve in Ohio. Now a large district in the compara- tively new territory of Western New York contains hundreds of factories, one firm managing over forty. Northwestern Ohio has a number. Southern Michigan is blessed with a score. Indiana has a baker's dozen. Nortli- ern Illinois abounds in them. Wisconsin boasts her hundreds, which turn out an arti- cle that almost makes good, old New York State blush for her laurels. Infant Iowa con- tains a score, producing a fine article. Mis- souri has built a number, and Kansas, not to be outdone, makes cheese for New York and Europe. California vies with all and produces an article which commands twenty cents per pound at home, and recently I received a let- ter from a friend who had sought new fields for his enterprise as a cheese manufacturer in far-off Australia. The idea so generally en- tertained, and which I was once committed to, that the territory adapted to dairying was confined within certain narrow geographical limits, is most erroneous. Our western friends have disproved it, as they have many other fallacies, by their greater enterprise, and I may say skill. True, if certain mountain grasses and mountain streartis and peculiar climate were requisite, the limits would be prescribed, but the west has shown us through a superior product of butter that her prairie grasses, cheap corn and oats, and the adapta- tion of windmill power to underground springs, produces both quality and quantity. She has shown a pecuniary profit to her milk producers that our eastern dairymen never ^reamed of. The practical intelligence of her jieople is revolutionizing the dairy business. Instead of waiting for the opening of spring to supply feed for their cows, and with heart burnings allowing the hoary frosts of autumn to dictate a stoppage of their grateful duty, after the manner of the east, they respect no season more than an other, unless it be the very one which the eastern dairymen derives no benefit from. To the Illinois dairymen the cow is a never-failing spring. I have seen cheese factories in that State in which the cheese vat has not seen a holiday for three years. The low price of corn, oats and pork this season has proven very discouraging to the great body of farmers in the west. This, to- gether with the great prosperity of their neighbors in the dairying business, is leading to a change from grain production, in whole or part, to dairying, and I am free to encourage it. Hundreds of new factories will be started this season, and I hope the suffering farmers of all sections will take advantage of an in- dustry that contains less drudgery, produces greater profit and enriches the land. The change will benefit those who make it, and leave a better chance of profit to those who continue general farming. As I have already indicated, if we give the people fine cheese they will cat all tliey can make, because it is cheaper, better, and more wholesome than meat. True, the home demand has not in- creased proportionately with that from abroad, but the necessities of the case are compelling greater attention to that outlet, and I believe it within the range of possibilities to make such a demand for cheese at home, while pay- ing strict attention to the foreign trade, that will enable a double production over the present. There is no question about a demand for fine butter. Even at 38 and 40 cents per pound at homo, manufacturers were unable to sup- ply the demand for fine creamery. The export outlet for this kind of butter is upon the in- crease, and at reasonable prices I do not believe can be over-sup))lied. The most intelligent re- ceivers of butter ia the east agree in this view. Though creamery butter is doing so well, inferiorqualities of dairy made are a drug at less than one-quarter the price, and millions of pounds of this class now lie in the cellars of the east, unsaleable above prices for sheep grease. A few years ago much of this butter would liave been accepted as good enough for table butter. This shows a very great change in the public taste. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were lost to dealers and producers last year, from the production of inferior but- ter. The lesson to the dealers has been so severe that I apprehend none will be found unwise enough to buy inferior qualities of butter this year, except at prices that will not pay for the labor of churning it. even if done by the small boy. If the farmer cannot make good butter and cannot sell his milk, he had better feed it to his hogs than to make it into poor butter. The dealer would much rather pay a good price for fine butter than purchase common stuff at any figure. An important point for all to consider is the necessity for marketing butter while fresh. Both producer and shipper must pursue this plan hereafter to avoid loss. Stale butter is a thing of the past, so far as its consumption is concerned. The people wont eat it. and therefore it is folly to have it. Thousands of packages of the stock now on hand would have l)rought fair prices if it had been .sold when fresh. The creamery system of making butter is coinpelliug attention everywhere. Its advan- tages are many and varied. The product com- mands upon the average over one hundred per cent, more than that of the private dairy, and twenty-five to fifty per cent, more than selected dairy. It saves labor to the farmer's wife and waste of material. The strongest point in its favor I can give is from the si)eech of Dr. Cummings, at the Manchester, Iowa, Dairymen's Convention. He said he was real- izing 40 cents per pound for the butter pro- duct of his cows, by having his milk manu- factured at the creamery. The butter used in his family he bought from his neighbors, at 14 cents per pound, realizing a clean profit of twenty to twenty-five cents on every pound by the operation. The system of making butter must become more general, and in every neighborhood where even one or two hundred cows are kept J within a radius of three or four miles, a fl small creamery or cheese factory should be built. The larger the number of cows the better, and the cheaper the manufacturing can be done, but however small the number j the adoption of this plan will in most sections increase the returns to the producer fully one hundred per cent. As the dairy industry extends the tendency will be to curtail the cultivation of corn, thereby decreasing the supply and advancing the price, and for this there seems an actual necessity from this season's experience. The price of pork, which up to this year has favored the producer, but is now against him, would advance sufficiently to make its pro- duction remunerative; and with other causes I shall mention, would make it more profitable to feed skimmed milk than to manufacture it into cheeSe. In short, I believe the extension of the dairy industry and this pa/ticular branch, will prove beneficial to every agricul- tural interest as well as to those directly con- cerned. There is, however, serious danger of ruin to the whole e]iterprise, and it is my duty to point out the rock, which, if not avoided, will shatter the entire dairy structure, and that very soon. It is the production of an inferior article of either cheese or butter. The large increase, which is absolutely certain this year in both articles, will make poor qualities value- less, and scale down the price of fine goods. It is, therefore, the direct personal interest of every dairyman and of every manufacturer to discourage the production of any but the best cheese and the best butter. This fact cannot be too strongly emphasized. I foresee the most disastrous results from indifference to the dangers I am pointing out. This year will either witness a check to dairying, from which it will take years to recover, or a forward movement that will eclipse its brilliant record of the past. Which it shall be, rests with the producer and manufacturer to decide by the course they pursue. If the manufacture of skimmed and inferior cheese continues ruin will follow. If poor butter is still made where good might be, all will sufter, but the chief danger is in the cheese department, as it has not suffered to the extent that butter has. The present almost valuelessness of inferior butter will decrease its production materially the present year, while a fine article is apt to be made at the expense of our cheese. The latter, therefore, is in the greatest danger. The milk producer is the one who will solve this question of rise and firll. It is out of the manufacturer's hands. He is but the instru- ment of the dairymen, whose greed and short- sightedness has caused the markets to be flooded with skimmed and half skimmed cheese, and improperly manufactured full creams. First, through a desire to get more than the value of his milk ; second, by refus- ing to pay the worth of skilled labor, and the use of unfit ingredients ; third, by the supply of impure or damaged milk. And he will suffer the consequence of continuing all or either of these practices. In pointing to the cause of danger I have indicated the course that must be adopted for their avoidance, but I will be specific. First. Greater attention must be given to the production of pure, rich milk. To this end proper kinds of cows, proper feed for them and their proper care are necessary. The milk must then be properly taken care of to keep it sweet and pure until it reaches the factory or creamery. Then the intelligence and enterprise that has produced the proper kind of milk will have provided a suitable place for its manufacture and a skilled work- man to convert it into cheese or butter. Self- interest should result in its manufacture into one article or the other exclusively. The at-- 1S78.J THE LANCASTER FARMET^. 75 ti-ini>to(l produf'tioii of both from the same milk will sooner or later place the cheese part of it exactly where inferior butter stands to- ilav, liankrnpt. Leadinj; bnyers from New York predict that they will buy skimmed cheese at fifty cents per box this season. I Ihink lliat should lie ai-j;uuicnl cn(uij;h to pre- Nriil its manufacture. Now, I uri;(^ ftirther, that tine full cream elici se lie made, so that the home trade can lie increased, and it can not be otherwise. If |iossilile, and it is in many sections, make an ailicle so good that yon can sell it to your iiri^hhors or to local points, and tliereby save ticij^hts, commission and loss from exposure ill transportation. I conversed recently with a L;cntlcniaii who started a cheese factory in liidiana a year or two asjo, and by makiiif; a line article he succeeded in sellins every pound at home, realizing one cent per gallon to his iiatrons above tlio average price for milk. This can be done in thousands of places in the Iiiited States, and it is what I recommend. The following, from an address of lion. Harris Lewis, of New York State, illustrates what I mean : "I have in mind two lots of cheese pur- chased for the retail trade, one of which con- tained (i4 cheese and was all retailed out in . the village of Illioii w'ithin the short sjiace of three weeks from the lime the first one was cut. The other lot consisted of five cheese, one of which lasted the villagers of Frankfort all winter, and tlie place of the sepulture of the other four cheese no man knoweth unto this (l:iy. "By letter to and conversation with a great II Liny retail dealers in butter and cheese, I have asked the question, 'what are your rela- tive sales of good and poor butter and cheese?' These men, from practical experience, (some of it bitter), have answered all the way from one to four, and from (uie to twenty. They all afiirm that the difference in the consump- t inn between good and poor cheese is much greater than between good and poor Initter. " Practice the same with your butter. Sell it Ml home whenever you can. The dealers in all parts of the country who have worn them- selves out and sacrificed tlieir capital in handling the product deserve success, and I reiomraend to them careful selection of goods, speedy disposition of their purchases, and h'lme sales and home markets to as large an extent as possible. The risks to both shipper and receiver must be lessened the business (I inducted more safely, economically and in- telligently ; so that the ju'oducer, shipper and receiver may realize better results from their toil and investments. The time for guess \\ I 'rk, blundering and rascality in handling dairy lu'oduce has gone by, and the business nuisi be conducted up'on intril tltli, and at that time tlie ofiiccrs reported that the orjjanization was well '^Mblishcd and enjoyins excellent prosperity. The asMieiution has already attained a very large mem- t" rshiji, and Its Wholesome Influence and Power lias begun to manifest itself in various important ways, in tlie Hour milling distriels of the .State, " iiicti are principally loeateil in Lancaster, Coluni- I'ia, York, Dauphin, Franklin, Montour, Lebanon, i Luzerne, Lyeoming, Snyder, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Clinton, Berks and Lehigh counties. The association emiiraccs in its mcmliershii) the most prominent, wealthy and influential merchant millers in PeuBsylvania, who represent millions of capital and whose millB furnish employment to a largo number of workmen. This combiiiallon of miller* is destined t,o correct, and eventually remove, many evils that liave jeopaniizcd the tlour milling interest of the Slate for some years, and every frii'iid of the tlonr manufacturing trade, who is not already a member of the organization, should liecome con- nected with it. Millers' associations have existed in the western States for some time past, and have proved of Incalculable Value in Protection to the miller and tlie milling interest, and the origi- nators of the Pennsylvania Stale Millers' Assoeiation can contidently look foiward to having the same beiieflcial results attend the organization they were instrumental in conceiving and successfully estab- lishing. That the Hour manufacturers have sutfered a great deal of unnecessary and unjust freight dis- criminations is undeniable, and this being one of the chief blocks to what should lie a more profitable business than it is — the flour trade — it behooves all lovers of jusliee, square dealings, fair profils and " home trade," to liear a strong and willing hand in the elevation of the Pennsylvania State Millers' As- sociation, which must become, in a comparatively short time, a powerful and active lever to the milling industry of the State. In calling the attention of the Pennsylvania mill- ers to the features of the association, and the liene- fits to be derived therefrom by becoming a member, the secretary, A. Z. Schoch, of Selinsgrove, In his circular says : Features of the Association. "The disadvantages under which Pennsylvania millers have been laboring, in consequence of the un- just discriminations in freights tiy the various carry- ing companies favoring western millers, has been severely felt for a number of years, so seriously, in- deed, in many sections as to almost paralyze that branch of industry in the State. " To correct, if possible, this disastrous state of affairs, to eOectually combat with patent right swindlers, as well as to promote the milling interests generally, it has been found a vital necessity to com- bine the efforts of all interested to attain these ends. The efforts made to accomplish the ends and secure necessary reforms will be unselfishly devoted to further the best interests of all, carefully avoiding any measures that might inure to the advantage of one section and he to the detriment of another. These ends can be accomplished only by effectual organization and earnest co-operation. You are, therefore, respectfully appealed to join in this under- taking, by becoming a member, and giving your advice and aid. It is hoped that you will not permit others, unaided by you, to devote their ctTorts to a work of which, if accomplished, you will enjoy the same benefits. " The hearty, persevering efforts of the millers, generally, in this cause, cannot fail to exert a power and influence tliat will be respected and accomplish general good. It is sincerely hoped that you will appreciate the importance of the undertaking, be ready and willing to give it your support, and not delay in becoming a member. Send your name to the Secretary and have it enrolled. Membership fee three (8'J) dollars." The Officers. The ofKcere of the Pennsylvania Millers' State Association are: President, Clias. A. Miner, Wilkcs- Barre ; First Vice President, M. S. Stine, Pottsville ; Second Vice President, J. W. Shriner, Lewisbnrg; Secretary and Treasurer, A. Z. Schoch, Selins- grove. Executive Committee: E. A. Hancock, Wilkes- Barre ; John McFarlan, Watsontown ; N. C. Freck, .Millersburg ; Thomas Saeger, Allentown ; D. Shotl", Tamaqua ; and the President and Secretary ex-offlcio. The regular semi-annual meeting of the association will be held at Reading on the second Tuesday of ■Inly. The merchant millers generally thr.nighout the State are invited to be present at the conference. ^ OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural and Horticultural Society. The Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticul- tural Society met Monday afternoon, .May (ilh, in tlie room lately occupied liy the Liniuxan Society — the third story of the city hall. The following members and visitors were present : Calvin Cooper, president, Bird-in-IIand ; J. II. Witmer, secretary. Paradise ; Levi W. (irotf, treasu- rer, West Earl; II. M. Engle, Marietta: Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy: Peter lliller, Conestoga: W. II. Brosius, Drumore; S. P. Eby, city: A. B. Groff, West Earl; Hostetter, Eden; Wni. .McComsey, city; Jacob B. Oarber, Columliia; Jacob Bollinger, Warwick; J. C. Linvillc, Salisbury; Casper lliller, Conestoga; J. ti. Kush, Willow Street; John Miller, Oregon; Syl- vester Kennedy, Salisbury ; .lohnson Miller, War- wick; C. L. Uunsecker, Maidieim; P. S. Keist, Man- lieim; Levi S. Keist, Manheim. Crop reports being called for, Casper Hiller, of Conestoga, said the fruit crop Is not promising ; cherries will be scare: apples average. "There has been no rain in his district for a month, J. C. I.inville, of .Salisbury, rciiorted grain looklncf well: the apfilc crop will lie half an average; so will pears; cherries scare. There was a heavy ruin and hail storm on Sunilay, which washed and "otherwlso injured some llelds. Three Inches of rain fell In three quarters of an hour. Henry Kurtz, of Mount Joy, eald wheat and grass look well, but the wheat is too heavy to stand up— some has already gone down, Imt the croji will be good. Pears look well. Henry M. Engle, of .Marietta, had nothing new to report, things arc growing a little too rank. The fruit crop isdroppiiig otf somewhat; cherries will he scarce. The rainfall for the month of April, .'i :5-10 iiiehes. Martin Kcndig, of Manor said the rainfall at his place during the past month had been :i 4-I(Mnehes. (iraps, wheal and ero|is generally look very promis- ing, though the wheal is perhaps growing too rank; pears, peaches and cherries are thinly set; corn plant- ing is about one-half dune; every kind of vegetation is from ten days to two weeks earlier than usual. W. H. Brosius, of Drumori', saiii thai .Mr. Ken- dig's report will answer very well for his section of the county also. Jacob Bollinger, of Warwick, reported all kinds of growing crops favorable. H. .M. Engle said he might, perhaps, be allowed to s.ay that Marietta Ibis spring has -the biggest crop of lumber she has had for many years. Mr. Engle read the following essay : Best Time to Cut Grass for Hay. Grass is grass and hay is hay, in the general ac- ceptation of the terms, and farmers and others gen- erally value them as such. Of course, there arc timothy, clover, meadow and mixed hay, which are valued according to the opinion or faneyof the feed- er. The purchaser after ascertaining what kind of hay asks no other question, except, may be, whether il was made without rain. At what period of growth the grass was cut, is hardly a consideration. In vicwr of such apathy, the object of the farmer Is to procure the greatest bulk of hay possilile, consequently he delays the cutting of grass unlil the wheat harvest causes him to bestir himself with his hay crop. To the above rule there are exceptions of course; for some farmers commence early, simply to be ahead of their neighbors ; others for the purjiose of having more time in order to avoid the expense of hired labor ; but only the very few who take into conside- ration at what period of growth the grasses contain their greatest amount of nutritive elements. Chemical analysis may be the most accurate test of the respective elements contained in plants, but yet not strictly correct when applied to the animal economy, as the object sought should be the period when the plant contains the largest amount of avail- able nutriment. Such knowledge can easily he ob- tained by any farmer or dairyman, snilicicntly accu- rate for practical purposes, by weighing the milk or liutter, or both, during the pasturing season. Any ordinary observer knows that the greatest flow of milk is (in clover pasture) when the clover Is In full bloom and before the heads turn brown. At that period we find the sacs in which the seed is formed contain a substance sweet as honey, and which changes rapidly and is entirely absent when the blossoms turn brown ; then the greatest flow of milk for the season is over. This is, of course, always modilied by the weather, as all pastures arc richer In nutriment in dry than in wet weather, for clover Is possibly more atfected than most other gra.sses. That there Is a period when all grasses respectively contain their greatest amount of available nutriment, there is no doubt, but there is quite a dilference of opinion among praclical men on this point. The great majority would not cut timothy until after It has bloomed, claiming that to cut il while In bloom it makes ilusty hay, and to cut it before that period It loses both in weight and nutritive powers. Some will even let it get so ripe as to make tolerable seed, and claim that the hay Is just about as good as when cut earlier. I do not see why such an erroneous notion should be so common, that horses ami cattle will at times eat such hay ami even straw in preference to the best feed placed into their mangers ; but this proves nothing in favor of such hay or straw as regular provender, but simply that a change of feed is re- quired for a brief period. Horses sometimes eat up their racks and mangers, but this tiy no means proves that they would flourish a great while on ex- clusively such food. It Is not denied that all grasses will make a larger bulk of hay, if ripe when cut, than if cut when more tender, but the difference in weight (if any) is very little compared with the dif- ference in bulk, while the latter Is as much superior as hay as it had lieen for pasture or soiling. This applies emphatically to milk cows. Not only will they give more milk from hay made from tender grass, but the butter will be higher colored. We often hear the argument that grasses are more diffi- cult to cure for hay when cut In an unripe state, which is not denied, but is held as a strong argument that they should be cut for hay before the rich juice* 76 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [May, are lost and the plant assumes the appearance of ■woody fibre. None of the grasses change more rapidly or show a greater contrast between early and late cutting than Hungarian. And I am confident that the prejudice against and possibly unfavorable results from Hungarian haj'are caused by this error, as there is a wider diflerence of opinion on this than on any other grass grown in this section. One of the principal causes of so much in- ferior hay being made is the custom of sowing clover and timothy together, which do not ripen at the same time; therefore cutting is put off until the timothy has bloomed ; meanwhile the clover has become so ripe that it can by no method be cured into good hay. If cut in such advanced stage and get a few soaking rains while curing, it will smell and taste much like cloverseed straw, and not be much better as hay. On the other hand, when clover is cut when it con- tains the largest amount of sweet juices, although more difficult to cure, it will bear more rain, and at the same time will not sustain the damage that it will when cut over ripe. I have for years made it a rule to cut grass earlier than my neighbors, and have frequently wished I had been a little earlier. I am also quite confident that any reasonable farmer that will cut part of his grass quite early, and some quite late, and feed it separate to milk cows, week about, his hay crop will not suffer afterward by getting too ripe on the stem if he can avoid it. What I have said refers more emphatically to clover, but have no doubt will to a great degree apply to all grasses for hay. A word with reference to curing. When the haying period arrives the general anxiety is for a clear sky and hot sun, which will of course facilitate haymaking, but invariably at the expense of much of the best qualities of hay. This will no doubt be considered heterodox doc- trine, but only because it is unpopular. I do not wish to be understood as recommending damp or wet weather for curing hay, but if it were possible to dry it in the shade, it would vastly improve its quality. Another serious mistake is that of housing hay too dry, which leaves it brittle and dusty always, while, when put away just sufficiently dry so as not to mould or mowburn, it is far superior. Over-ripe and over-dry hay will, however, be much improved by cutting and steaming or scalding, which will make it to be easier digested, and the nutriment which it contains more available : but no artificial preparation can restore tlje saccharine elements that had been lost by over-ripening or over-drying. The hay-tedder plays an important part in curing hay properly, as by no other method can grass he so evenly cured with the same expense. It seems strange that our farmers of this section are so far behind with this almost indispensable im- plement. In conclusion I would say, in order to secure hay of the best quality, such as will make most milk and butter and keep animals in best condition, cut grass- es when they contain the largest amount of saccha- rine matter ; cure, if possible, without too much hot sun ; get it dry as evenly as possible, and gather it as damp as it will allow without mow-burning, and you will have all that can reasonably be desired for good hay. J. C. Linville said he agreed with the essay- ist in every particular. It is very necessary to cut timothy early, as by doing so a second crop will im- mediately spring up, which will not be the case if it is cut later ; the ground is thus well covered with a second crop and protected from drying out. It is bad policy to have .the ground bare in July, as it will be- come baked and burn out the roots of the grass. William McComsey spoke of the subject as being a very important one; he agreed with the views ex- pressed by the essayist. S. P. Kby, esq., city, asked the essayist if he ap- proved of salting the hay before putting it in the mow. Mr. Engle said he did not ; salting was sometimes done by persons who cut their hay too late, to make it more palatable to the stock. Henry Kurtz did not believe in cutting hay too early. If clover is cut too green it is apt to mould ; it won't dry right. Early cut hay may be best for milk cows, but it is not so good for horses or other stock. Besides, by cutting later a much larger quantity of hay is obtained. Levi W. Groif, of West Earl, differed from Mr. Kurtz. For cattle he is very sure the grass should be cut young. As to salting hay, he had done it to his sorrow some forty years ago ; the result being that his horses coughed all winter. Mr. Kurtz said perhaps the hay was dusty, or perhaps the horses ate too much of it because of the ealt. Mr. McComsey said if grass be allowed to mature it will yield more hay. If he was making hay for market he would allow it to mature and thus get greater weight. Wm. II. Brosius, of Drumore, asked if timothy should be cut as soon as the heads are in bloom. Mr. Engle answered that he sometimes cut timothy before it was in full bloom. When timothy and clover are sown together it is impossible to cut them when both are at their best, because the clover matures before the timothy. He would, however, cut the hay before the clover heads begin to fade. He does not think that salt in hay causes horses to cough ; it is more likely caused by the dust from over-ripe hay. Landlords often prefer over-ripe hay because horses eat less of it. The Place of Meeting. S. P. Eby, esq., from the committee appointed at a former meeting to procure a room for the perma- nent meetings of the association, reported that the hall of the Young Men's Christian Association could be secured for $2.5 dollars per annum, including furniture, fuel, janitor, etc. 'The room in City Hall, lately vacated by the Athenaeum, could be had at a nominal rent of $5 per year, but the association would have to repair and furnish it, and find fuel and janitor. After a long debate, in which some of the members strongly favored going to the T. M. A. Hall, and others as strongly advised remaining in City Hall, the matter was recommitted to the committee, to ascertain whether one or the other of the proposed rooms cannot be leased for four or five years. A vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Engle for his interesting essay. " How to make chickens profitable," was the sub- ject of a lengthy essay read by S. P. Eby, esq., who gave minute and elaborate instructions, from the selecting of the eggs and the hatching of the chicks up to the time the full-grown fowls are marketed. (Seepage 71.) The essay was followed by a debate, in which several members participated, most of them agreeing with the essayist, to whom a vote of thanks was ex- tended. The Visit to Groff's Farm. The committee appointed at last meeting to visit the farm of Levi W. Grotf, West Earl township, to examine and report upon his new mode of cultivating wheat, reported that they had set four different days upon which to make the visit and were as ofteu pre- vented from going by heavy storms of rain. As it was now getting late in the season, the committee suggested that it would be well to defer the visit until just before harvest time. The committee sin- cerely regretted the untoward circumstances that prevented the intended visit. Mr. Grofl' said he did not censure the committee for not calling upon him, for he knew the weather was unfit on the several days they had set for their visit; he hoped they would have better success next time. He would suggest that a good time would be a few days before the wheat was cut. He would then be pleased to see as many of the association as chose to call. He extended a general invitation to all. Mr. Engle said there were a good many farmers in his section who would like to see his cultivated wheat, and that Mr. Groff had better make prepara- tions for a big crowd. Mr. Groff replied that he would be glad to accom- modate all that might come. Mr. Groff's mode of cultivating wheat was dis- cussed and approved by several members, those who had seen it growing describing it as being far better than that sown or drilled in the ordinary way. While the latter is much lodged, Mr. Groff's grain is stand- ing straight. Levi S. Reist, by permission, presented a circular descriptive of a farm in Rockingham county, Va., now owned by Jaekson Myers, formerly of Lancaster county. The Bee-Keepers. Notice was given that a meeting of the Bee- Keepers' Society will meet in this city on next Mon- day afternoon, at IJj o'clock. Business for Next Meentig. Mr. Kendig, from the Business Committee, pro- posed the following business for next meeting : " When is the best time to harvest wheat?" Re- ferred to Peter S. Reist. " Root crop culture." Referred to Calvin Cooper. Mr. McComsey moved that Mr. Groff's invitation to the society to visit his farm be accepted, and that at next meeting the time for making the visit be fixed, so that the society may go in a body. Agreed to. Levi S. Reist presented for a name an apple from the farm of Joseph Eby, Rothsville, Warwick townj ship. The history of the apple is that some tf jirty years ago Frederick Swope, of Leacock, had some apple grafts sent him, which were said to produce apples that would keep from two to three years. He used the grafts and grew a tree, from which the apple here presented was taken. The apple is below the medium size, with smooth glossy skin, of a red- dish golden hue, fine flavor and solid flesh. There being no further business offered, the asso- ciation adjourned. ^ TOBACCO GROWERS' ASSOCIATION. The regular monthly meeting of the Tobacco Growers' Association was held on Monday afternoon, April 15th. In consequence of the preparations for removal to the Y. M. C. A. rooms, in South Queen street, the Athenteum rooms were not in a condition for use, and the association met in the Common Council chamber instead, In consequence of its being court week, of many members being compelled to attend to their political arrangements, and perhaps because of the demoral- ized condition of the market, the attendance of mem- bers was unusually small. In the absence of the President, M. D. Kendig, Israel L. Landis was, on motion, elected temporary chairman. The regular secretary being absent, Washington L. Ilershey was elected to take his place pro tem. The following members and visitors were present : Jacob M. Frantz, Wabank ; Henry Shiffner, Upper Leaeock; Israel L. Landis, Manheim ; Winfield S. Kennedy, Salisbury ; Washington L. Hershey, Rapho ; J. M. Johnston, city ; Clare Carpenter, city ; Frank R. Diffenderffer, city ; Andrew Lane, Man- heim ; Ephraim Hoover, Manheim ; Christian Mus- ser, Pequea, and Mr. Denlinger. Report of Visiting Committee. J. M. Frantz, the chairman of the Visiting Com- mittee, appointed during the winter, made the fol- lowing report : Mk. Chairman: The committee appointed by you to visit some of the tobacco growers in different parts of the county and report the result of their observations to this association, attended to the busi- ness assigned them sometime during the month of January, by visiting the eastern portion of the to- bacco-growing area, along the line of the P. R. R. and north and south of it. While the committee do not propose to make any invidious distinction between any of the producers, they nevertheless must report that they found a great difference in the crops of the .the same locality, for which they could only account upon the principle of a difference in the manage- ment, as only a rail fence or a public road divided the good and bad fields. They found crops that gave evidence of careful as well as skillful and intelligent attention, some leaf that was stripped being well as- sorted as to quality, length, &c., and others that showed the want of proper attention in cultivation and handling. Your committee next visited parts of the county west and north, taking in the range the localities of the early pioneers in the production of the weed. Here, by reason of a long period of experiments and practice; we found a more advanced state of the various details in the production and handling than elsewhere; particularly is this the case in the appli- ances for handling, housing and storing the crop. Sheds of the most approved kind, with basement and cellar under all, and many other contrivances and devices for the cultivation, spearing, hanging up to wither, removing to the shed, transferring from the wagon to the upper and different parts of the shed, creating and maintaining proper ventilation and moisture in the crop after curing and during and duringthe stripping process, and all the way through all the stages of its passage from the field to the case — all of which must be seen to be appreciated. The committee could not be too strong in their recommendations to all interested in this industry to make a visit through this section of the country and observe for themselves. It is only in this way and by these means that we can save ourselves many annoy- ing and expensive experiments, and save ourselves years of time in attaining that state of improvement (I will not say perfection) which we must attain if we expect to make and continue the business profitably. If there is any one thing over and above another that came to the notice of your committee, it was the ap- parent greedy effort made by too many to overdo the good thing, and thereby destroy, as it were, the whole business. Endeavoring to grow too much is the great evil with too many of our farmers. For reasons not necessary to mention to the intelligent producers, short and imperfect crops, coarse and rough, indifferently assorted and carelessly put up, are found almost everywhere, and furnish the best evidence of over-production and careless farming. Your committee are of opinion that some benefit may result from their visit, observations and report, if they refer to errors of omission as well as com- mission on the part of producers, as we sometimes profit from the errors of others more than from their virtues. We do not think that there are as great differences in the soil or kinds of tobacco planted that some ascribe to them ; but that any of the different kinds in cultivation in the county, if planted at the proper time and in soil properly prepared, will pro- duce a desirable quality of tobacco. If the farmer will put the same quantity of manure on one acre that he generally puts on two (and we have no doubt barnyard manure is preferable to any other,) and applies the same labor to one acre that he applies two, tops his plants down to 12 and none over 14 leaves, he will raise a quality of tobacco that will astonish him. The leaves will be long and regular, and have that lively elastic body and regu- lar color that constitute a first-class article, and the only kind that will make money for him. He will then have no three-cents-a-pound stuff, but will find eager buyers at 120 cents and upwards all the time. There will be no over-production of this kind of tobacco — never. While barnyard manure is preferable to any other, gypsum, wood ashes, hen droppings and varioiH 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 77 composts are beneficial, and can be used as auxili- aries. With all our boasteil attainments, the culture of tobacco is yet in its infancy with us; and the com- mittee are well convinced I'rom their olisi'rvations that unless the hints above f;iven arc observed by us the tobacco interest, upon which we so much rely, will pass (as it has passed ciscwiiere heretofore) into other localities ecpially well ailaptcd to its cul- ture, and where prodvicers wi'I act more prudently. We must learn to please the purchaser in (|uality, and this can only be done by otwervini; the means noticed. One reason in withholdini; this report thus late was to observe whether the opinions arrived at by your committee wovild be sustained by the action of the purchasers of the crop ; and we wouhl now only add that with all the large area planted, ami the }argc crop of '77, the (juantity of tirst-elass tobacco Is exceediuftly small, scarce and liifrh in price, sellinf^ at IX, 30 and'even 2.5 cents per [loiind. Then let us profit by our past errors, and endeavor 1(1 pursue a course that will bring about more favor- al'lc results in the future. J. M. Frantz, Chairman. On motion, the report wag received and the com- mittee discharged. Reports on Crops. Henry Shitl'ner said there was still some tobacco in his eect'ion and selling at 2-6, 3-8, 3-10, 3-13. There has been no lack of buyers. W. S. Kennedy reported about one-third of the crop in his district sold — some as high as 5 and 1.5. W. L. Hershey reported sales at .5-18 and down to Z-W. J. M. Frantz reported sales as high as 17 and 19 cents for wrappers. I. L. Landis knew of sales in Manheim at 14-1(5, and some even higher, but these were choice lots. For General Discussion. J. M. Frantz related the case of a man who realized J900 from two acres of tobacco, while lie knows men who did not realize that sum from five acres. All depends on the superior cultivatiou and handling of the crop. There are ten poor crops to one really good one. Henry Shiffner said the indifference of tobacco growers is surprising. They seem to care little liow they grow their crops, and the result is an inferior article which buyers do not want. They must learn to grow better than they do now. They raise more than they can attend to, and the eonsequnce is, the whole tobacco growing fraternity suffers. Deferred Questions. "When is the proper time to plant tobacco?" Henry Shiffner thought it was best to plant early. Nine out of ten good lots are planted early. Early planted tobacco is always better in quality. It seems to be slightly lighter in color, but not much. May 10th to June 1st he thought a very good time. He does not approve of using water at planting time ; better wait for a favorable season ; have your ground ready and then take advantage of the season. The Connecticut tobacco can be planted later and will do equally well. "Will it pay to pack and store tobacco at the pres- ent low prices?" was answered by Washington L. Herstey, as follows : This question was referred to me, and althouE:h I am not able to answer it satisfactorily, I will make an effort in that direction. I am decidedly of the opin- ion that it will iiay farmers having a good quality of leaf to pack and hold it, and also that the prices now paid by buyers do not give any profit to the farmer, as tobacco is sold for less than the cost of produc- tion. This being the case, the production of this commodity niust eventually cease, as the farmer cannot afford to raise a crop and sell it for less than its cost. In my experience as a grower and packer, 1 have never seen a drugged tobacco market ami the prevalence of low prices that was not followed in the second or third year by high prices and a bouyant market. In 18(51 tobacco was a drug in the market at 5 and 6 cents a pound, and in 186:i and 1M14 the same goods sold at from 20 to 35 cents a jiound. In 18G.5 and 18CG the prices fell, and farmers did not realize more than 5 or 6 cents a pound ; in 1872 and 1873 the prices fell to fl and 7, and so on till the pres- ent time, when tobacco of a good quality commands a good price. Since 1861 the prices have fluctuated very much. For a few years the farmer would receive paying prices for his crops, and then for two or three years the crops would not pay the cost of [iroduction. This being the case farmers should hold their tobacco until prices have again advanced. Packing tobacco is a tine ait, and tlie man who undertakes it should understand how to select and grade tobacco. Hegular tobacco cases should always be used, and tobacco when put in should be moistened, not dried out. If it has become dry, moisture can l)e imparteil tiy the agency of sprinkling straw, which is piled around the tobacco. No two grades of tobacco should be packed in the same case ; rather allow the case to be partly empty. It is allowable, however, to pack remnants of several grades into one case and mark the quantity of each on the case or on the book. To keep tobacco, the cases should, when packed, be laid on their sides; they should also be stored in a warm, dry place. Tobacco after liclng packed will get very hoi, ami the Inexperienced may take alarm when they find it so ; but no matter how hot it gets it will, wiicn cociled oil, be all right again. Farmers make a great mibtakc by tearing tobacco apart when it gets healed ; il is not proper to do so. Tobacco should never be kept over the year un|)acked, be- cause it is not possible for it to cure thoroughly, and an imperfectly cured loliacco will not sell for the same money that a thoroughly cured artii-lc will. W. S. Kennedy thouirht this was an unusual sea- son in which to sell tobacco. Buyers have hail it all their own way. .Some fine tobacco was sold as low as 2 and 10. .Some bought their tobacco almost for nolliing. He thoui;ht. Iln'ri-lore, it would pay to pack the present i-rop and keep it for a highi'r market. Henry Sbitl'iicr thought this association had merely to do with the growing of the goods, and nothing with the pac-king. The indications arc that not half has been sold, ami perhaps much will nut be. The croj) as a whoh' is inferior, and he adviscil holilcrs to sell, not to pack. It will pay at H and 10 cents, and if that i)rice can be got, let it go. He knows little about i;rowing the weed, but in eight years he has never sold his crop at less than twelve cents. He did not ajiprove of packing the crop by the farmers themselves. The complaint ' that no buyers came about is because in some sections 1 here are but few good lots, and it don't pay buyers to travel far out of their way to hunt up a single lot. He did not believe the charge that a combination anumg the buyers was made to beat down the prices. Mr. Frantz thought there was no use in packing an inferior article. A good article sells for as much to-day as ever it did. Why then cncouragi' the pack- ing of inferior tobacco? It is not worth the troulile. It is a costly experiment, and the expense falls on the packer. Besides, packing is a trade that is not easily learned, and the ])aeker may not improve his crop thereby. Sell your tobacco at the best price you can get, and then go to work and raise a better article the next time, such as you can sell. Much of the present crop of tobacco is dear at even the low prices paid. W. S. Kennedy could not see how, if one man was forced to sell his tobacco at a small price, why other men who have good tobacco should not pack it. Why shall men sell their tobacco at current low prices when they are able to hold it ? Packers often persuade men not to undertake packing their crop. He thought they can do better by packing than by selling it at prevailing prices. W. L. Hershey had been fortunate enough to double his money on the tobacco he has packed. He has it inspected by regular inspeetiors, and it is al- wiiys up to sample. J. M. Frantz thought those who came into this city to sell were over-anxious or necessitated to sell, and for that reason took what they could get without much regard to the value of the goods. New Business. F. R. Diffenderffer asked whether the association had secured a place for its future meetings, and offered on behalf of the Young Men's Christian As- sociation, the second-story room of their buililini.' at the low price of $2.5 per annum. The Agricultural Society has already secured the same room for its monthly meetings, and at the same price. The room was commodious, handsomely fitted up, and dcsiralili- in every way ; it was in fact t,he best room in which the association had ever met. J. .M. Johnston moved that a committee be ap- pointed to make arrangements, provisionally, for the next meeting of the society, ami this, in all |)roba- bility, will be in the room just spoken of. The com- mittee consists of J. M. Johnston and J. M. Frantz. A bill was presented by the janitor for services, which, on motion, was relcrred to the finance com- mittee, with instructions to pay it if I'ound correi-l . There being no further business the association adjourned until the third .Monday in May, when we hopothcrewill be a better attendance than there was yesterday. BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION. Monday aftcrnoor.. May lo, at 2 o'clock, the Lan- caster County Bee-Keepers' Association met in what were formerly the Athena-um rooms, the following members being present : Peter S. Keist, Litiz, Presi- dent; John Huber, Treasurer, Peiiuea ; Daniel Krider, West Lamiielcr; I.li. -Martin, Karl; ICIlis Hershey, Paradise; J. F. Hershey, Mount Joy: J. B. Eshfeman, K|)lirata ; J. G. Hush, Pequca ; .lohn H. Mellim;er, Strasburg ; E. H. .Mellinger, Strasburg. On motion F. K. Diffenderffer was elected teuiiwr- ary secretary. Reports. Mr. E. Hershey said, last fall he disposed of all his bees but fifteen swarms, which came through the winter all right. Had no swarms so far. Mr. Rush reported that out of seven hives he hail lost one ; one colony has swarmed twice and both are doing well. The prospects for a honey crop are good . ; Mr. .Mellinger reported that all of his hives came through the w later very well; has had five new swarms, one swarm has sent out three colonies and anolhcr will semi out two colonies. .Mr. Martin re|x)rled that he had wintered sixteen eolonies ; he paekcil the hlvi'S in chaff, and they came throuu'h well. He hail no swarms yet. .Mr. K. Hershey went into winter (pnirters with sixty-twoswarms. He liulll a bee house, and brought all his swarms lhroui;li. So far nine have swarmed ; some of his neighbors have new eolonies. The sea- son has up to this time been unfavorable to the pro- duction of iKuicy. .Mr lOshlcman read a letter from W. J. Davis, of Warren county, who was expected to be present. He hant out In shares, all the swarms are doing well. (Jne hive swarmed three times. He wintered on suniuier stands. Bees, everywhere, are doing well, and gathering honey rapidly. He used the Longstreth hive. Questions Discussed. Mr. Hershey asked in what condition a hive should be to be divided ; and at what time it should bo done. On this question he gave his own views. Ho thought the hive ought to be strong In bees and honey. If the hive is divided In the honey season, the old colony docs not get strong enough to gather a stock of honey hirire enough to enable them to pass the winter, but if you wait until the hives are full, they can be divided safely, .\bout three weeks from the present time they should be divided. The young swarm should have three weeks to crather Us winter stock of boiu'y. He preferred artificial to natural swarming; has lost a colony which he did not attri- bute to artificial swarming but to cold weather. After the 1.5lh of June it is unsafe to divide a swarm; however, this season the limit should be placed about tw o weeks before that time, as the season is so for- ward. Mr. Rush would rather depend on a natural swarm than ui>on Mr. Hershey's plan ; he saw no advantage in that method. Mr. .Marl in used a «ood deal of artificial founda- tion, and likes it very much. He has found as many bees to hatch out of them as when they are not used, although it is stated that the product is much less. Mr. Eshlcman's question was, "will a natural swarm accept immediately a strange queen without caging ?" Mr. Hershey said if an artificial swarm was di- vided it woulil not aciept a stranL'e ipicen ; what a natural swarm would do he did not know. Mr. .Martin had no experience in the matter, but had read that Ihe strange queen would be accepted. Mr. Eshlemau said his reason for putting the ques- tion was to ascertain whether a colony could In that way be Italianized. "Will it pay to feed between the blowing of apple blossoms and white clover blossoms ?" was asked by Mr. J. F. Hershey. Mr. Martin thought that if they were fed until clover comes in bloom, they could then go to work in earnest. Mr. Hershey was of Ihe same opinion. But If the swarm has an abundance of old honey he v ould let them consume that ; then there Is no advantage in feeding Ihcm. He fed them throuirh a tin trough atiout one inch wide, which is tilled throush a lube from the outside. The best thin;: to feed to them Is honey ; the next best sugar and water In equal pro- portion. Best brown sugar should be used. Honey stimulated Ihe bees to breed more than did sugar. President Heist asked whether bees can gel into swarms without the moths laying eggs there. Mr. J. K. Hershey said that moths do not lay eggs in the hives. They lay them on the outside, and the tiees carry t hern in' themselves. Moths will go into a weak colonv, lull not into a strong one. Mr. Keist said he had heard that moths would not go into strong hives; but it was not true. They would go inio anv hive. Mr. Eshlcman had discovered that the moth would, if il could, deposit Its egixs under the honey board, and the worm would then work its way Into the hive. .Mr. .Mulligan said you could not keep worms out of Ihe comb. He bad placed some In an exposed place on one of the coldest days in w inter, but worms canu- out nerertheless. Mr. J. F. Hershey proposed the question, " How soon should the second swarm appear after the first?" and it was bricfiy discussed. He thought it should be nine days after, as did other members, but Mr. 78 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ May, Mulligan said that under certain conditions it could appear seven days after. Mr. DitTenderffer, when the question of the time of next meeting arose, said he hoped that it would be just in the fruit season so that they could dis- cuss the question, "Do bees destroy Fruit?'' Mr. Eshleman said he did not believe a bee could cut the skin of a grape, though they might cut through paper; grape skin is almost as tough as leather. Mr. Rush asked if any one could propose a plan by which it could be tested, and it was proposed to put mola.sses on a bunch of grapes and cut the skin of one grape. If the bee sucks the inside of the cut grape out, and does not touch the others, it is a rea- sonably sure sign that they cannot pierce the skin. Mr. Eshleman said he would put a bunch of grapes at the opening of a hive, and then the bees could not get out without cutting the skin of the grape. If this did not test the matter thoroughly, he did not know what would. The society now adjourned to meet , the second Monday in August. LINNiEAN SOCIETY. The Linniean Society met on Saturday, April 27th, 1878, in the parlor of the Y. M. C. A., Vice-President Rev. J. II. Dubbs in the chair. Seven members pre- sent. After attending to the preliminary matters the Donations to the Museum were examined. A bottle containing a moderate sized eel, cut open to show the egg tube along the spinal column, and the eggs, which was caught in the Little Conestoga by Mr. John Wohr, of South Queen street, on the 12th inst. This proves that eels have eggs, whether matured into small fish before spawning or after being spawned, is still a question. That immense shoals of the minute fry, from two to three inches long, are occasionally seen along the banks of streams in late spring is testified to by many. Mr. Wm. L. Gill donated two fac-siuiilcs of the Washington cent. Mr. Linn*us Kathvon also de- posited nine rare coins for exchange for a duplicate cent of 1799, supposed to be in our collection. It is doubtful. To the Library. The proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, part III., September to December, 1877. Book catalogues, etc. The Lancaster Faumer for April. Papers Read. No. 491, S. S. Kathvon, all about the eel and its relations and habits; this will appear at length in the May number of the Lancaster Farmer. A letter was read from the President, Kev. J. S. Stahr, stating cause of absence ; it also contained a specimen and description of a cruciferous plant new to the county — the Lipklinm catnpe.itrix, found by Mr. C. H. Herbert, of Franklin and Marshall Col- lege, along the Reading railroad, north of Lancaster. We have the jilant in our collection, No. 194. Ac- cording to Dr. Gray, it is found in fields from Mas- sachusetts to Delaware, introduced from Europe; rather rare, however. Dr. Darlington found it in the great valley, Chester county. Prof. Porter does not include it among the flora of Lancaster county. J. Stautfer here mentioned a crucifex found by Mr. Gilbert, of the High School, the Titrrilix glabni ; Tower-mustard ; in Gray's edition of 1856, he de- scribes three species, and says the glabra is common northward among rocks and in fields. Yet strange that it i.s neither in the Floral Cestrica nor Porter's list of Lancaster county plants; nor do I And the genus in Man's extensive catalogue, nor in our col- lection of plants. This led to Scientific Miscellany, and the question also came up, is " Jasper right or wrong?" considering the late lecture on the motion of the planets and the stationary earth, as set forth by Dr. Shcpfer, of Berlin. The President, Rev. J. S. Stahr, now came in, when Mr. Dubbs insisted upon him taking the chair. New Business was called, when the chairman, S. S. Rathvon, from the committee appointed to negotiate with a commit- tee of the Y. M. C. A., reported an agreement enter- ed into with them in behalf of the society ; also the ordering and having made additional cases for the museum— asking that the action of the committee be confirmed and the committee discharged. On motion, the report was accepted and adopted as the action of the society. On motion, the committee nominally appointed at the last meeting to raise funds to pay expenses — namely, Messrs. S. S. liathvon, J. Stauffer, Rev. J. S. Stahr and Dr. Baker, of Millersville, be the duly authorized collectors, to obtain Contributions for Stock at $5 a Share, and the rights of members, and appeal to the liberal- minded citizens for coniribution.as such a museum will be a credit to the city, and useful to the youth as object lessons, and hence an object worthy of public patronage among UBcful institutions. A committee for classifying, arranging and label- ing the specimens was appointed, viz. : S. S. Rath- von, J. Stauffer, John B. Kevinski, Wra. L. Gill, Chas. A. Heinitsh and Samuel Sener, to meet on Tuesday at 8 o'clock, a. m., in the room, with power to employ assistance at the expense of the society. After an expression of thanks for the comfortable room furnished on this occasion, the society adjourn- ed to meet on the last Saturday in May, 1878. AGRICULTURAL. Corn Growing. Much is said at the present time about corn raising, the manure in which it is raised, and the expense and profit accruing from its culture. For the benefit, of those of your readers engaged in it, I will give you the time required last season to plant and hoe thirty acres of corn. The ground being prepared, two men each with a horse and planter, marked out and planted the whole field in 15)< hours each. Houm. „, , Horse. Man. Flxnting 31 31 The first hoel-.g was done with band wheel- hoe, by a man wit-hout a horse, in — 60 The peoond hoeing was done with horse and man 30 30 The third hoeing was done by a man and horse 60 60 121 181 Equal to 12 1-10 days for horse and 18 1-f 0 days for man. The man was paid $13 per month, or about 58 cents a day, which equals $10.50 Horse 12 1-10 days at same price T.O'J $17.5; The crop was heavy, no manure being used . 287 bushels of ashes and ?58 worth of Bay'State phos- phate were spread on the field and cultivated in before planting, and there was not less than 1,500 bushels of shelled corn and sixty to seventy-five tons of fodder. When men can raise corn with such small expense for labor, there is no reason why there should not be enough raised in the Eastern States to nearly supply home consumption. One man can easily raise thirty acres. The crop was raised by the use of the Ross implements and after the Ross system of cultivation.— C'o)-ces/)o«d(!«< JV. E. Farmer. How to Plow. In his address on "Plowing" before the State Board of Agriculture of Connecticut, Prof. Stock- bridge said : " There are two kinds of soil on every man's farm — the agricultural soil and the subsoil. The agricultural soil may be two inches deep, or it may be nine, but it is not twenty feet. It is no deeper than the air can penetrate. If the agricultural soil is too shallow it may be gradually deepened by lift- ing an inch of the subsoil at each plowing, bringing it up t» the air and enriching it with manure. Our agricultural society committees, by their premiums for smooth, shiny, flat furrows, have done the com- munity great harm. Such plowing as oftcnest takes the premium is the very poorest kind of plowing. The soil is best plowed when it is most thoroughly crushed, twisted and broken, with the sod well cov- ered. On some kinds of land I would have the fur- rows lapped an inch, as the Canada farmers plow. Let the air and water have a chance to circulate underneath the surface. Light lands, however, should have a flat furrow ; we wish to make such lands more compact." Pop Corn as a Leading Crop. A writer in the New York Smi says that no city in the country of any pretensions is without its pop corn manufactory, large or small, and that one at Lowell, Mass., uses upwards of three thousand bar- rels a year, and another at Boston is not less exten- sive— together selling nearly 100,000 barrels a year, since it is declared to increase in bulk under the process about sixteen times. The varieties used are the Siberian flint corn, rice corn and Connecticut seed corn. Pop corn is grown from Neu -> .!.::. and Prince Edward Island as far south as Texas. In the West and South these varieties degenerate rapidly by running into the large kinds of field corn, and the seed has to be procured from the Eastern States often. It thrives best throughout the region border- ing on the 44tli parallel of latitude, and sells at the manufactory at two to three cents a pound on the cob, and frequently yields one hundred busliels of ears to the acre. "The white flint corn is the variety preferred by the maimfacturers, and is well adapted to cultivate in our latitude. Would it not prove profltable for our farmers to cultivate this variety more extensively ? About fifty per cent, more of wheat has been sown in Iowa this sjiring than last, and the season of sow- ing is at least one month earlier this year than last. And the same is true of the State of Minnesota. The white oil corn of Indiana is claimed to be the earliest matured, the largest grain, the smallest cob and tlie most productive corn in the world. Up to March 9, the total receipts of wheat at lake and river ports, since Sept. 1, aggregate 54,355,000 bushels, against 32,651,000 last year. HORTICULTURAL. The Culture of Cantaloupes. The culture of this fruit, unequaled we think by any other gi'own, we are glad to see is becoming more general. Almost every person having a garden of any size, is beginning to try his hand at it, and it can be done with almost as much success as raising a crop of corn. The ground should have a warm exposure and be friable— clay mold not being adapted — the hill shouild be dug out eight or ten inches, two feet in diameter and filled with well rotted manure, rich soil and sand — turnpike dirt is excellent as a substitute for the latter. Five or six seeds should be put at equal distances, about an inch in depth, and the "hill" should be even with the other soil, except when the season is wet, when they should be raised. They should be about six feet apart each way, and the plants when they have passed all danger, should be thinned out to two or thi-ee in a hill. The beds must be kept cle.^r of all weeds and grass, and when the vines commence running they should not be dis- turbed, as the roots connected with the vine, and by which it is largely supplied with nourishment, will be broken. The ground, as the vines begin to ex- tend, should be gone over with an iron rake, especi- ally after a heavy shower, to loosen it and give these rootlets a chance to take hold. The seed should be planted at the time of corn planting. Sowing round the bill, a few inches distant, early radish seed will generally protect the young plants from the bugs, and ahvays will be more or less bene- ficial. Sl'.ould bugs appear a sprinkling of weak whale oil soap and water, or of carbolic acid soap and water, will soon send them adrift. The best varieties of cantaloupes to plant in this section are the "Citron," the "Jenny Lind," the "White Japan," and the "Casaba." The "Nutmeg" is too late lor us. There is no reason why all our farmers should not have a patch of cantaloupes for family use. A plot of ground 40 by 20 feet would be enough for a moderate sized family. They can raise far superior fruit to any found in the city markets. — Oermantowti Telegraph. • ^ Excessive Stimulation of Strawberries. Here let me caution cultivators of strawberries against the excessive use of all stimulating matter, such as contains a great amount of ammonia or nitrogen in its various combinations. Among such fertilizers are guano, bone dust, phosphates, hen manure, night soil, poudrette and urine ; all materials of this character, although very useful in their proper place, are detrimental when out of it, and may even become deleterious when used to excess. They are found very useful in heavy compact soils, cold and slow in action, and especially those well impregnated with carbon in any form, such as black muck or peat, or old manure that has lost a great proportion of its stimulating property, as is often the case witli that which is not composted. It is well, in any event, before using freely, to be sure you have sulfi- cient carbon in some form in the soil to keep pace with the growth of plant produced. The invariable effect of excess ofstimulants (when the plant is able to endure them) is foliage without fruit, or fruit only in such proportion as fruit-producing material may accompany the stimulants. Care of Young Fruit Trees. Young fruit trees, for the first two or three years after transplanting, should before hard winter sets in be protected against any uiulue quantify of water, especially in low situations. This can be best done by making' a small hillock of dirt around the stems sutlieient to throw off the water and not let it settle about the roots. We have known young trees to be killed by constant immersion in water through most of the winter, and have frequently known them to be stunted, from which many of them never entirely recovered. On the otljer hand, in. suinincr these trees should have the soil lightly bowled out around them, in oi'der that they may have a more abundant supply of water than they would otherwise obtain. If we expect to be successful in fruit-raising we must adopt all the means attainable to insure it. — Oerinantoivfi. Telcfjraph. How to Make Trees Fruit Early. The Vineyard Gazette reports cases wliere the re- moval of earth over the roots of frees hastened the period of ripening of the fruit several weeks. In one instance eai-th was removed from an early pear tree eight weeks before the normal period of ripening, for the space of thirteen to fifteen feet in diameter, and to such an extent as to leave depth of earth over the roots of only about two or four inches, so they could be thoroughly warmed by the sun. The experimenter was suri)riscd not only by the i-ipening of the fruit in • the middle of Jul}', but also by its superior juiciness and flavor. In another experiment the removal of the earth from the north side of a tree alone caused the ruit on that side to ripen several days earlier than , n the south side. 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 79 DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Things Useful to Know. A tumbler usually hokls nl>out - - - A teacup " " " - - A wine frlass " " " - - - A tatilospoon " " " - - A liessert " ' A teaspoon " ' Weight of a Wheat ----- Kye - Oats ------ Barlcj' ----- Corn in the car - - Coru, shelled - - Cloverseed Timothy Seed Blue (irass Seed Flaxseed - - - White Beans - 10 ounces. 0 " " - . - 2 " " . . - !<; " % " 1 drachm, or fiO drops. Bushel in Pounds. Irish Potatoes - - - 60 Sweet I'otaloes - - 60 Dried Apples - - - 24 Onions - . ... .57 Turnips - - . . - .5,') Cornmeal - - . - 48 Bran 20 Salt - .W Coal, (Ohio) - . - RO " (Penn'a) - - 7i - 60 - 511 - H-J - 47 - 70 - .51-, . 60 - 44 - 45 - 56 - 60 Household Hints. Han? pictures with copper or silver wire. Better untidy rooms than ill-cookcd food. Eat Oraham puddin<; and milk for breakfast. Mend coal scuttles with flour paste and Canton flannel. A cement of ashes and salt will stop cracks in a stove. Wicks must be changed frequently to Insure a good light. Bonnets with strings a.-e worn, even by very young ladies. Don't use good sheets to Iron upon, taking a fresh one every week . Pour cold tea, that otherwise would be thrown away, into the vinegar barrel. A cup of water in the oven, while baking, will prevent meats, bread, etc., from burning. Potato Salad. Potato salad is a regular dish at the German restau- rants, and Americans who become acquainted with it are not slow to adoi)t it. We find it very accepta- ble at lunch; and in warm weather, with a cold meat dinner, all the family prefer it to hot potatoes in any form. There is no regular rule for making it ; the needed articles are cold boiled potatoes, chives (or a small onion), parsley, salt, pepper, vinegar and oil. Slice the potatoes thin ; chop the chives (or onion) and parsley flne. Put a layer of sliced pota- toes in a dish ; sprinkle on chives, parsley, salt and pepper; pour over vinegar and oil enough thoroutrhly to moisten the whole ; lay on another layer of pota- toes, and so on. It is better to make it an hour or two before serviner, and carefully turn once or twice, or stir in such a manner as not to bj*eak the slices. Flat Irons. In damp weather flat irons, unless kept on the stove, are apt to gather moisture, get rough, and sometimes rusty ; and it is not well to keep them hot all the time, for a good many reasons — they are liable to get knocked off and broken, and after a while do not retain the heat as well, and they arc in the. way. If you occasionally rub the smooth sur- faces with a bit of beeswax, and then rub on a piece of cloth they will alwa3's keep bright and smooth. If they do ever happen to get wet, asd .'io rust, lay a little fine salt upon a smooth board and rub them over it quickly while hot. Renovating Black Silk. Do not iron black silk. Peel two potatoes, slice them thin, pour one pint of boiling water on them, and let them stand four hours. Wlien ready for im- mediate use, put about a quarter of a tcacupful of alcohol into the liquor. Sponge the silk well on the worn side, rubbing the shiny spots with care ; and then roll it tightly around a thick pole. This renews its freshness, and cleans it well. How to Banish Rats. Rats may be banished by covering the floor near the rat hole with a thin layer of moist caustic potash. When the rats walk on this it makes their feet sore; these they lick with their tongues, which makes their mouth sore, and the result is that they not only shun this locality, but appear to tell all the neighbor- ing rats about it, and eventually the bouse is entirely abandoned of them. Hard waters are rendered very soft and pure, rivaling distilled water, by merely boiling a two- ounce phial, say in a kettleful of water. The carbo- nate of lime and any impurities will be found adhering to the vial. The water boils very much quicker at the same lime. When the eyes become inflamed from any cause do not rub them at all — such irritation is dangerous — but bathe them in tepid milk ; keep the bowels open by some gentle medicine, and eUt little meat. The eyes are very sensitive to the state of the stomach. Avoid the glare of strong light. LIVE STOCK. Percentage of Cream and Butter. In sjicakinL' of the percentage of cream from a given quantity of milk an exchange says : "There is no necessary relationship between the percentage of the cream and butter produ<-llon of the milk, and experiments have proved that of two milks one wilh the smalli'sl (piantity of cream, as inilicati'd by the percentage glass, yielded the most liultcr. In'dei-d, the per cent, of cream Indicated by the narrow cream guage is a fallacious guide. There is only one way at present known to test the butler ipiality of milk, and this is the making' of bulli'r from a known quan- tity of milk. It may be satisfactory to claim forty per cent, of cream fiom milk, but it is useful ; The quantity of cream a milk will yield is of importance to the seller of cream. It does not indicate the but- ter yield of a cow. Per cent, nf cream and per cent, of butter are two entirely ditferent nuitlcrs when used to exi)ressthe ricliness of a cow's milk. A quart of milk which throws up four per cent, of cream may make more butter than a (piart of milk which throws up ten per cent, of cream. It is jiroliable that the percentage glass may give indication of tlie quality of the butter from a cow, and tell something of the churnini; quality of the cream, but it dois not and can not tell the butter richness of the milk." To Relieve Choked Cattle. " I used to be a Cheshire (England) dairyman, and had a stock of nearly one hundred cattle, (irowing many acres of turnips, choking of the cows was very frequent, and the simple remedy was a stick of hanl wood at)ouf a foot: long and an inch and a half square, put in the mouth as a bridle bit — a string from each end tied to each horn to keeji in place. Placing tlie stick instantly releases the im- prisoned foul air from the distended stomach, and prevents more swelling. Whatever root 6ti<'ks in the throat will in time soften and go down, and no bad etfects can follow unless force is used. Until this summer I had never seen a case of bloating from eating grass or clover. In June my next neighbor had a case and asked my assistance. I placctl the stick and she was relieved in a few minutes. The same day my cows (through a board being down in my neighbor's fence) got into clover, ttc, before I knew it one had died. Numbers wi-re looking on while she was strugi;ling and living, bul knew no remedy. To-day another neighlwr bail a similar case, and eflected a cure by the moans described." Hints for Horse Owners, If a colt is never allowed to get an advantage, it will never know that it possesses a power that man cannot control; and i( made familiar with strange objects, it will not be skittish and nervous. If a horse is made accustomed, from his early days, to have objects hit him on the heels, back and hips, he will pay no attention to the giving out of a harness, or of wagons ruiniing acrainst him at an luicxpected moment. We once saw an aged lad} drive a high- spirited horse, attached to a carriage down a steep hill, with no hold-back straps upon the harness : and she assured us that there was no danger, for her son accustomed liis horses to all kinds of usage and sights, that commonly drive the animal inio a frenzy of fear and excitement. A gun can be lired from the back of a horse, an umbrella held over bis head, a buft'alo robe thrown over his neck, a railroad engine pass close by, his heels be bumped with sticks, and the animal take it all as a natural condition of tilings, if only taught by careful management that he will not be injured thereby. Exterminating Lice. Dr. W. .T. B. Kingsley, of Oneida county. New York, uses aloes to kill lice on all animals and gives the following directions for its use : Fill a large common pepper box with the powder and Bprinkie thoroughly inio the hair, on the neck. bacK, sides and rump of the creature infested, and rub it thoroughly through the hair and on the skin with the ends of the lingers. Leave It undistured for a week ; then card and curry thoroughly, and apply as before, and so continue, at Intervals of a week, until there is not a living parasite. Heaves. Dr. Horn, the distinguislied vcrterlnary surgeon, in replying to an inquiry relative to a mare all'ected with this disease, says: "Give no clover, hay or musty feed of any kind ; dampen all her food ; feed no corn excepting ground, and dampened ; then about one-third only. Keep a tub of lime water for her drink; put a iiicce of quick lime as large as a lemon to each pailful. This will be about a proper quantity. She may refuse to drink at first, but will soon drink freely of the water." It IS the opinion of an intelligent dairyman that there is a dillcrence of two quarts of milk a day be- tween a cow comlortably housed and the same one exposed to the cold for half the day, as we see them. POULTRY. Hens That Eat Eggs. The best way to break hens of eirg eating Is to break their necks and restock with binlg that have not acquired the habit. Fowls that are expert In egg eating flrsl attack the shell wllli their bill. If It is a thin shell a few slrokes will break II, and the rest is an easy job. If, however, the shell Is a thick one they generally fail to break it with llieir beaks ; they then begin to seralch In the nest, and with their feet throw the egg against I he hard side of the box until it is broken. First of all, make liens lay hard shelled eggs, so hard that they cannot be readily broken by a hen's bill. This can be done by feeding freely with slacked lime, ground or broken bones, oyster sheila, etc. To prevent breaking against the sides of the box the nests should be high and lined u|Kin the sides with cushions fllled with hay or other soft material. Their only ehanee Ihen is that they may throw two eggs forcibly against each other. To prevent this take the nest egg away and gather the eggs several times a day. It is a good plan lo leave a few china eggs near the nest for them lo work at, which win make their bills so sore that they will strike the real eggs with less force. Leghorn Fowls. My experience Is in favor of the whites. I have bred them for breeding, exhibition and laying pur- poses, anil find the whites give the largest profit In every case. It is Impossible to breed as many standard birds as to color of the brown variety. There is always more or less dissatisfaction, especially when eggs are sold. The breeder Is blamed many times through Ignorance, yet the dissatisfaction Is the same. In all my sales of whites I never have had any complainis made, and I can eerlainly sell off stock closer for exhibilion and '.ireeiiing purposes. I find them as hartly, early in maturing, and they lay better and larger eggs and more of them in a given time. On a whole, I think the browns have been overrated and the whites neglected. Cooked Meat for Fowls. Fowls, as well as dogs, become quarrelsome If fed on raw meat. Besides, cooking makes it more nutritious. When raw, it is rather harsh and crude, compared witli the niilil, natural diet of wiirins and grubs, which are for the most part soft, and easily dissolved by digestion. Occasionally, for variety, a little meat may be given raw. Fish, when iilenty, Is more conveniently given boiled, because in lliat state the fowls easily pick every morsel from the bones, and no mincing is requireil. Chandlers' scraps have the advantage of being already cooked, and on that account, as well as many others, they are excellent. — Tkc J'oullry Workl. Charcoal for Poultry. The benefit which fowls derive from eating char- coal is, I believe, acknowledged. The methoil of putting it hdiire them is, however, not well under- slood. I'uiiii'led charcoal is not in the shape In which fowls usually find llieir food, and eiuisequently is not very enticing lo lliein. 1 have found that corn burnt on the cob, and the refuse— which consists almost entirely of the grains reduced to charcoal, and still retaining their perfect shape — placed before them, is greedily ealcii by them, wilh a marked Improvement in their health, as Is shown by the brighter color of their combs, and their sooner prmluelng a greater average of eggs to the flock than before. — S. litifut Maxon in the Voultry World, A $.02 Rooster. That famous S.")ll,UOO cow which was so much talked about in this country a few years ago has found a rival in jKiint of proportionate pecuniary worth in a ?.'>0J rhickcn. The ICiiijlUh Atiricullural G«^<7^c says that a gamecock was recently sold for the above excessive price, and suggests that In the future Ihe raising of such ehiekens would prove a very lucrative source of income. The same journal, we notice, says that over 8i:!,000,()00 worth of eggs were ini|jorted Into England in 1^76, and yet the su|iply was short of the demand. Here is an opening for poultry men and wider field for Inventors of egg- piescrving processes and egg-carrying devices. Tarred Paper for Poultry Houses. A corrcs|K)ndent of the Poultrtj World says : I read your reconnnendation to use tarred paper ^s a prevenlive of lice In the last number of your maga- zine, and your request to those interested lo report. I have lined my buildings throughout with It for two years, putthig it between every piece of board or timber, and even into my nests, and, so far, have not seen a louse alKjut. I had a house overrun with lice two years ago, but upon lining it with tarred papefi they disappeared and have not been seen since. 80 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [May, 1878. LITERARY AND PERSONAL. Harper's Magazine for June, 1878. — Harper's Magazine for June, while it has that largeness in the character of the subjects treated which usually distinguishes this periodical, is exceedingly beautiful in its numerous illustrations and surprising iu its variety. Lovers of the picturesque will read with in- terest the exquisitely illustrated paper, contributed by S. G. W. Benjamin, "Along the South Shore," showing charming bits of coast and rural scenery be- tween Hull and Plymouth ; also Miss Mitcliell's ani- mated description of Heligoland, the "Enchanted Isle." Mr. Benjamin's article opens with a fine pic- ture by Bricher, illustrating; the gathering of Irish moss in the salt marshes by Scituate Harbor. Another illustration, by Kytinge, represents the old well on the Woodworth place — the original of the "Old Oaken Bucket ;" another, by Moran, illustrates the wilderness of lakes in the vicinity of Plymouth ; another, by Abbey, is a very effective picture, illus- trating an incident in the war of 1812. Those interested in ceramics will be delighted with Mr. Sikes's paper on the celebrated delft ware, with thirty fine illustrations. For those interested in art and music, the paper on J. Q. A. Ward, and his methods of work, by G. W. Sheldon, Mrs. Despard's entertaining reminiscences of music in New York thirty years ago, and the " Easy Chair's" defence of the artist against undis- criminating and ignorant critics, will have special attractions. Tne article on Mr. Ward contains five elfective illustrations, one of which is a portrait, while another represents the sculptor at work modelling a horse's head. To the distinctly literary field belong the Rev. Mr. Baldwin's contribution, in which is published for the first time a pleasant correspondence in verse between Fitz-Greene Halleck and a young lady of Guilford, Connecticut; General James S. Brisbin's interesting paper on the poetry of Indians ; and Charlotte Adams's eloquent review of the vicissitudes of Rus- sian literature. Science is duly recognized not only in the " Editor's Scientific Record " — the only authentic monthly summary of scientific progress which is published — but also a paper by George W. Beaman, entitled " How shall our Boys be fitted for the Scientific School ?" and in Simon Newcomb's story of " A Manufactured Comet." Of larger and more national interest is Mr. Loss- ing's able paper on the battle of Monmouth, with fifteen illustrations, one of which — "The Carnival in Philadelphia," by Mr. Pyle — is a very remarkable picture, tlie engraving of which is as wonderful as the artist's design. In another field — that of religious biography — we have a concise but graphic portraiture of Hugh La'.imer, the " Paladin of the Reformation" — from the pen of Charles D. Deshler. In fiction we have further instalments of the two great novels of the season — William Black's " Mae- leod of Dare " and Tliomas Hardy's " The Return of the Native ;" also three excellent short stories. Of these, the longest and most striking is "The Drink- water House," by Mrs. C. V. Hamilton, with three remarkable illustrations by Abbey. Mrs. SpoH'ord contributes "In a Storm," and Henrietta Hardy " Greta's Boys." Bret Harte contributes a brilliant society poem, " Telemachus versus vientor," which is effectively illustrated by Reinhart. George Lunt contributes a poem, "A Trio;" Miss Mary A. Barr another, en- titled " Captive Queens in the Market." " Song of the Clay," is the title of a peculiar, but very striking poem by Z. D. The Editorial Departments are full of interesting and entertaining matter in their several fields. Two BEAUTiKUL PICTURES, by Gcorge Stinson & Co.'s, Fine Art and Publishing House, Portland, Maine. These pictures are respectively entitled, " Tfie Morniiifj of Liijht," and " Purily." Ofcour.se people differ very much in their ideas of beauty, and therefore to say that these pictures are handsome, or magnificent, or majestic would only be bandying words which might measure the mind of nobody. Hence, we simply say they are baaiUifid , and when we say this we mean that beauty involved in the in- vocation of the Psalmist, when he utters, "Let the beauty of tlie Lord our God be upon us ;" because that beauty, we ai)prehend, is impressed with the in- nocence and purity which the artist illustrates so calmly and peacefully in these pictures. True, it is innocence and purity of ignorence, as contradistin- guished from that of wisdom or intelligence, but it emits a spiritual fragrance almost infinitely sur- passing any condition attainable in the most advanced state of adult life. In "Purity" the artist has repre- sented, in the dream of a little orphan, her angel mother watching over her and ministering to her dur- ing her unconsious sleep, with imwerful effect — a sleep so profound, so confiding and so self-possessed, that we imagine we can almost hear her breath and see her bosom heave. In the "Morning of Life" the artist has portrayed a wonderfully natural expression of affection and tenderness in the face of a young little girl for an elder sister, who has evidently been away from home all day, and the little pet has been lonesome and is now so glad to see her return. Both of these pic- tures plainly tell their own beautiful stories, and as we gaze upon them we become inspired with the subject, and if we are not totally depraved they re- call those sinless periods of our lives which have long been buried in the graves of the past. Both the conception and the execution of these pictures are creditable as illustrations of high art, which are rarely, if ever, excelled. Indeed we have seen noth ing yet issued by this liouse that was not excellent of its kind. The plates are about 18 by 14, with wide margins, and printed on fine, heavy paper, and will be an ornament to any dwelling, and wherever they may be domicilated tliey cannot but liave an elevating and purifying effect upon the minds and hearts of all who look upon them, for whole volumes of letter- press might fail to leave an impression as indelibly as they. Pictures, and their particular kinds, are generally indicative of the ultimate character of those who, from choice, patronise and possess them, and these must surely help any one to be better for having them about them. Pamphlets Reoeiveb. — Fiftieth Anniversary of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, held in Horticultural Hall, Broad and Westmoreland streets, Philadelphia, Friday, December 21st, 1877. This is a beautiful octavo pamphlet of 24 pages, on fine calendered paper, a complimentary copy of which was sent us by the President of the society. But if it liad been printed on the commonest of brown wrapping paper, the grand old association and the occasion would have dignified it with a value of no ordinary consideration to us ; for its career, in the measure of time, has run parallel with our own. In 1827, when fifteen years old, we left the parental roof to buffet the world entirely upon our own re- sponsibility, and never was an inmate of that home again, the fiftieth year of which had its anniversary on the 9th of July, 1877. In every respect this is an interesting pamphlet, and especially so in an histori- cal sense, for it records the first organizat on of the society, half a century ago, and the preliminary meetings and measures which led to that organiza- tion, from which we learn that the late Hon. Horace Binney was the first President of the society. Six years subsequently we had the pleasure of a seven months' residence in the city of " Brotherly Love," the recollections of which are the most pleasant of our whole life. Horace Binney then represented the city in Congress, and occupied a conspicuous portion of the public mind, for he was pitted against the " Veto " and " Removal of the Deposits " measures of President Jackson. The career of the Horticul- tural Society since then has been glorious and pro- gressive, (more so, we wot, than ours) and we hope that those who may witness its next semi-centennial anniversary may be able to make as glorious a record. Mr. W. Atlee Burpee, the well-known breeder and shipper of fine stock, has withdrawn from the late firm with which he has been connected for the past two years, and will hereafter conduct business only as W. Atlee Burpee & Co. He has opened a new and commodious warehouse. No. 221 Church street, Philadelphia. Mr. Burpee has for many years been extensively engaged in breeding and shipping thoroughbred stock, consisting of Ayrshire and Jersey cattle, Cotswold and Southdown sheep, Ches- ter White, Yorksliire, Berkshire, Essex and Poland- China pigs, and high class Land and Water Fowls of all varieties. He has paid special attention to choice thoroughbred swine and poultry, and his sales in this line have been very extended and have gained for his stock a wide reputation. His aim has always been to breed from none but the very best stock, but to breed so largely as to be able to offer the choicest animals and fowls at prices within the reach of farmers who can appreciate choice blooded stock. Mr. Burpee has now a larger and finer stock than ever to offer his patrons, and will give special induce- ments on early orders. Their new catalogue of thoroughbred live stock of all kinds is just issued, elegantly illustrated with numerous engravings, de- scriptions, etc., and will be sent free upon applica- tion. We call attention to their advertisement in another column. Farming near home, or State legislation against hard times, being suggestions for an "act" to facili- tate the settlement of land, the promotion of agri- culture, civilization and co-operation, and for the re- lief of labor and capital witliin the boundaries of the older States, and especiallv within the Common- wealth. Published by K. J. Wright, Philadelphia; an octavo pamphlet of Ifi pages. From which it ap- pears that there are within the limits of the State of Pennsylvania 10,122 square miles of unused lands, and that within the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Ver- mont and West Virginia, not counting irreclaimable marshes, 37'^; per cent., or .57,445 squaremiles fn these States that might be brought under culture and use, while multitudes of agriculturists and working men are driven by force of circumstances to far distant and uncongenial territories. Map of the water-front of the port of Philadel- phia, and one of the International Exposition Grounds, Paris, 1878, illustrating the photo-electro engraving of Shelniire & Brono, No. 110 South Fourh street, Philadelphia, Pa. It is perfectly astonishing with what facility, ex- cellence of execution and cheapness tlie art of photo- electro engraving has become invested. For the trifling sum of $-1.00 an electrotype plate, 7\4 by 9',^ inches, can be furnished, giving a view of the city of Paris and its surroumiinffs, the exposition grounds, the river Seine, its numerous bridges, and a multi- tude of other details, plaiidy and accurately sketched. It seems that photo-engraving has ceased to be a mere experiment, and is destined to entirely super- cede the more expensive and laborious wood cntrrav- ing, and the above company professes to produce cuts of any subject and size at one-half the cost of wood. L. B. Case's Botanical Index to the new, rare and beautiful plants, grown and for sale at his commercial green house, Richmond, Indiana, for April, 1878. "An octavo periodical (vol. 1, No. 5,) very handsomely gotten up, (something in the style of"Vick'6 Floral Guide") fiuely embellished, and containing copious price lists — a matter of very great importance to those who desire to make purchases in any line of goods. We observe that Mr. Case adver- tises 103 distinctly named varieties of the Begonia, 34 of which are of the shrubbery kind ; 72 varieties of Fuehsias, all named ; and 132 varieties of Qeraniams. If there is not " a distinction without a difference," then we should suppose the most fastidious taste among floral connoiseurs might here be amply grati- fied. Such results are not the work of a day, and must be based on merit. Something Good and True. — We call the special attention of the readers of The Farmer to the card of Mr. C. H. Anderson, in the advertising columns of this number of our journal, not only as someth- ing new, but also something "good and true." The intrinsic merits of the " Iron Stone," as a water and drain pipe, are sufficient of themselves to recom- mend this material to the confidence of the public. Mr. Anderson is so respectably endorsed by those who have used the " Ardenheim Iron Stone Pipes," and is socially so highly connected in this county, that we believe our farmers may repose the utmost confidence in him, especially as through the superi- ority of his wares he has been enabled to build up a flourishing business. The Railroads, the Stock Yards, the Even- ERS ! — Expose of the Great Railroad Ring that robs the laborer of the east and the producer of the west of $5,000,000 a year. By J. F. Rusling, Washing- ton, 1878. An octavo pamphlet of thirty-two pages, purporting to be based upon principles of justice and humanity^ no doubt containing much that is true, and also much that is imaginary or unavoidable. As we have not yet had time to peruse it carefully we must r6fer the subject to the consideration of our readers to form their own conclusions. Some observations on the analysis and value of commercial fertilizers, warmly recommendatory of the Southern Fertilizing Company's Richmond, Va., "Anchor Brand." Office 1321 Cary street, Rich- mond, Va. ; 16 pages octavo. These fertilizers are highly spoken of l3y those who have been using them ever since 18fil5, but this is a matter which each farmer must test for himself. Much depends upon wliat his land may need. Smithsonian miscellaneous collections — 316 — a circular in reference to American archaeology. Giving a "special memoranda" in describing, re- cording, observing and collecting objects from shell- heaps, cave and cliff-dwellings, masonry, sculptered scabs, rock painting, graves and cemeteries, mounds, quarries and workshops, &c., Ac, of the aborigines of our country, and especially their localities and their geosfraphical and topographical situation and surroundings, &c., &c., 16 pages octavo. Very useful. Nineteenth annual edition of the "Sorgo Hand- Book." A treatise on the Chinese and African sugar canes; varieties, culture and manufacture. By the Blymyer Manufacturing Company, Cincinnati, Oliio, 1878. A handsome octavo pamphlet of 30 pages, illustrated A'ith ten fine photo-electro pictures re- lating to the subject. If any of our readers desire to engage in this branch of culture and production we opine this pamplilet contains the information they need. Catalogue of Cane Mills and Evaporators, Steam Engines, etc. Manufactured by the Blymyer .Manu- facturing Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, U. S. A. A royal octavo pamphlet of 28 pages, with 38 illustra- tions of the different machines it manufactures, on finely and highly calendered paper, with explanatory letter-press with price list attached. We would call the attention of our readers to the advertisement of the Kearney Chemical Works in another column, manufacturer of the improved Pest Poison, said to he. the best and safest remedy for de- stroying iill kinds of noxious insects. To Farmers, Truckers and Gardners. The "Crop Grower," a now fertilizer, better than guano or phos- phates. A. C. Adamson, 143 Front street, Philad'a. Wholesale price'list of grapevines, fruit trees, &c. Spring, 1878. T. S. Hubbard, Fredonia, N. Y. With testimonials of character. THE LANCASTER FARMER^ III. Ardenheim Iron Stone. Tlio Artlenhelin Iron Ktono Pipes are pronounced by practical men in this line of business, the best in tlie Uniteil States. WATER PIPES FOR FARMERS, DRAIN PIPE!*^ FOR PLUMHEIW. Send to V. If. AM>EKSO>\ l»i*0[>rl4*loi% Hunt- lngd4»iii, Pn., for tostimonliils, jukI wee for yourat-lveB what thoBC say of them who Uiiveust-it them. 10-4- <1^r" J,_ (^0^ P^i" »> uhi_(I by a cjiild. It is mude to imitate the song of every bird, the neigh of a horse, the bray ^f an as«, the grunt of a hog; birds, beasts and sn.ikes are enchanloa and entrapped by it. Is used by Billy Birch, t'harley White, and all the Minstrels and Warb- lers. Veutril(»4UiSni ctn be learned in three days by its aid. Sent u])nu receijit of 10 cts., 3 for 25 cts., 7 fur r»U ctR. 15 for $1. Address, J. W. COTTKKLL & CO., 218 Fullon Street, New York. lU-5-lni $777i PIANin Boaiitifiiironrert Grand I'iario.^.DI A fJH . "^'^'^y cost Sl,(iOO only 842o. Superb GrandLLHiiy fitjuare Pianos, cost $l.,10lt only $255. Elegant lUait;bt Pianos, cost $S00, only $I5.'>._ New style Uin-itiht Pianos, $llt*.50. 'Or^:uii*4 f<'i'*. Organs. 12 Stojw, ?72.50. Church Organs, 10 stops, cost ^3!>0. only SH5. Eleg.iDt S:i75 Mirror Top Organs, only SJI<>5. TremeudouB sacriticeto close out present stock. I iiiiii<.>iiMe New Steam Factory soon to be ere';ted. Newsjiiiper witli much information about cos of Pianos and Organs SENT FREE. Please addressDAKIEL F. BEATTY. Washington, N.J. lo-r).:tm ^^ 0^ ■ MBk Great chance to make money. If you I ' 1 1 1 ■ ■ can'e get gold you can get greenbacks. IV 1 1 fl B 9 a^^'^ need a person in every town to take %H %# ■■■■P Isubscriptions for the largest, chea]:iest and best lilnstrated family publication in the world. Any one can become a successful agent. The most elegant ■works of art given free to subscribers The price is so low that almost everybody subscribes. One agent reports mak- ing over $1.50 in a week. A lady agent reports taking over 40T subscribers in lu days. All who engage make money fast. You eau devote all your time to the business, or only your siiare time. You need not be away from home over night. Y'ou can do it as well as others. Full particulars, directions and terms free. Elegant and expensive outtit free. If you want profitable work seud us your address at once. It costs nothiug to try the business. No one who engages fails to niakf great pay. Address "The People's Journal.'' Portland, Maine. <)-S.ly is not easily tarned in these times,butit can be made in three months by any one of either sex, in any part of the country who is willing to work steadily at the employment that we furnish. $G6 i>er week in joar own town. Y'ou need not be away from home over night. You can give your ■whole time to the work, or only your spare moments. It costs nothing to try the business. Terms and $n Outfit free. Address at once, ii. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine. 9-::-Ty t) h iTJ^MfPC procured. Advice free. Address, lii 1 uiX 1 » P-'»wc & Co. Box 174 Washingtcn, D. C. ART OF PitOPAGATION. A cousise practical work on the rapid increase and inul- tiiilication of stock — amply illustrated. Prioo pre-paid by mail, 50 cents. PUBLISHED DT Wiuoua, Columbiana Co., Ohio.' SEND FOR IT, AND FOR FRKE CATALOOnE. By a special arrangement with the I>ub!i6her8, we offer the above work at 40 cts. per copy. It hae roceived the fa- vorable notice of over 1 WOO leading papers of the country. Cash to be sent to this office. 9111 L. RATHVON. J. STAUFFER, LANCASTER, VENN'A, EAST ORANGE ST All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CAN.\- DIAN PATENTS. TRADE MARKS, and COPYRIGHTS. promptly attended to. His ex]>eriouoe, sucoeea and fuithtul *tentiou to the interests of those who ejigage his services are fully acknowledged and appreciated. Preliminary examinations made for him by a reliable As Bifitaut at Wnsliingtou, without extra charge for drawing 4jr descrii>tiou. [9-1-tf p AT T\ Any worker can make$12 a day at homo. Costly 10 -J-ly* I Outllt free. Address Tiii'F. & Co., Augusta, Me. EDW. J. ZAHM, DRALHU IN S125 A MONTH AND EXPENSES to Ai;ent8. Send statu)) tor Urnts. s. c, 1 osTKU i. COMClDclnnatl, O. lO-S-Hm AMERICAN AND FOREIGN WATCHES, SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED Vi^ARE. cr.ocKs, JEWELRY iTABLE CUTLERY. Sole Agent for the Arundel Tiutpd SPECTACLES. Repairing strictly attended to. North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Pa. il-4-l.y dJCC awei'k in your owu town. TfCiuB ami $5 outfit free. 4>00 Address H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Muine. 10-2-ly* A NEW BOOK. How to Raise FRUITS. A HAXD-llOOK OF FRUIT CULTURE, BEING A GUIDE TO THK PIIOI'KK Oidttvation and Managemeut of FruH Trees, and of Grapes and tSniall Fruits^ with condensed descriptions of many of the best and most ;>opnlar varieties, with upwards of one hundred engravings. By Thomas Gregg, Price $1.00. A book wqich shoidd be owned by every pereon who owns a rod of availnble land, and it will serve to secure success whe»*e now there is nothing but failurp. It covers the ground fully, without technicalities, and is a work on Fruit Culture for the Hiilion. It tells of the cost, how to i)laul, how to trim, how to transplant, loe;itiou, soil, selection, diseases, insects, borers, blights, cnltivation, how to prune, manuring, layering, budding, grafting, etc., including full description and man- agement of Orchard Fruit, such as Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, S'ectarines, etc. It is a most oami^k'te Guide to Small-Fruit Culture. with many illustrations and descriptions of the latest vari eties of Grapes, Strawberries, Blackberries, RaBi)berrie8, Gooseberries, Cu: rants, etc. The work shows the value of Fruit, and how to use it. Sent by mail, post-paid, pric^ $1 ; or The Faumer and How to raise Fruits, will be furnished at $1,7.5. Address I<, RATH VOX. 22 Monlli Qncoii'ht., I.iineaHlor. I*ii. Scribner's Lumber and Log-Book. OVER HALF A MILLION SOLD. The most complete lio^>k iif its Ivin^l i'\ti' pul)!iH!u'ti. Givs correct meas- urement of all kinds ot liiuibur, l'>gs and phiiik by Doyle's Rule, cubical contents of square and round timber, stave and heading bolt tables, wages, rent, board, capacity of cisterns, cord-wood tables, interest, etc. Standard Book throughout United States and Canada. Ask your bookseller for it, or I will send oue for 35 conts, post-paid. O. W. VINBIKK, 10-a-3m] 1>. O. Box 23H, Rnrlieftlor, N. Y. PEDiaREE OmOlT SEED. Danvers t)iuon .St-ed, rai^cf from the choic<:tt onvms o/ each crop /or jij'ty j/cars in sucresf>wn ! The difference in the crop will be ten tnues greater than the cost of the soed. My Seed Catalogue free to all. JAMES J. H, «KE«OUY, 10.3.2m] Mnrblelioatl. >faH*(. \J\J\J yjyjyj f'^rry, Ciimittts, Grtiprs, As}uira~ ffuSf KtHifM, frach 'Vrrf*, etc 100 .SI-:KIC( TKIt VA- KIKTIK.S. Grfot Am^rictin Strawberries. Largest and l)est, lierries '2 oz. each. *J in. around. IJv mail lO for 81: 100 lor S!i% I.OOO for ^lO. Uitsou Alhauy, Chan, Dotrtiinf/f Monarch of the Jt'eMt, KmiUtrky, Green i'rolific, (^2 j-er l,OO0; t'apt. ,Jaek, C'utnber- Ifind Triumt'h, Sterlinff, tTocunda, $5 per l,0O0. ALI^ I'VRK. Catalogue free. Cut this out. JOHN S. COI.MNS, 10-2-3m] Moorefitown, Xew.Jeraey. 1760. ESTABLISHED 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO., 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE, BUILDII^-G HAEDWARE, tit.AHH, PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS, TERRACOTTA, IRON ani LEAD PIPE, LEATHER BELTING, SEEDS, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. Ag^cntD for the ■' Ohio " Reaper and Mo'wer, Whann's Phosphate, Fairbank's Scales, Dupont's PoTwder, Harrisburg Nails. &o., <&o. We have the largest stock of general Hardware in the Ktate, and our prices are as low aud terms a« liberal ua B. Pa., 30c.; Clo., 60c., Ex. clo. 1 00 Parsons on the Rose 1 50 ijuinby's Mysteries of Bee-Keeping 150 Qnincy (Hon. Josiuh) on Soiling Cattle I 25 ()uiun'« Money in the Garden 1 50 yuinn's Pear Culture for Profit, 1 00 ItiUy's Potato Pests ; . .Paner 60 cts.; cloth., 75 Koe's Ph'v and Profit in my Garden 1 50 Stewart's Irrigaion for the Farm, Garden nud Orchard 1 50 SiewartV Suble Book 1 6t Stewart's Slifpherd's Manual 160 Stoddard's Ann Kgg Farm pajier, 60 cts.; cloth 76 Thomas's Farm Implements aud Machinery 2 00 Tim Bunker Piipen* , or, Yankee Farming 160 Tol>acco Cvilture, By fourteen experienced cultivators. 25 Wrtrin^'M Draining for Profit and Health 1 50 Wa ring's Elements of Agriculture 1 00 Wliitc s Crjinberry Culture 1 25 Wright "b Pnicticai Poullry-Keei>er' 2 00 DWriST \LDENQ . 174 ELM'STREET. CrNCUSTJS'ATI. . OHIO, Advertiaementa inserted in any paper. Before advertising sendfor my catalogue. IT. THE LANCASTR FARMER. [May, 1878- FOR CLERK OF QUARTER SESSIONS : B.F.W. URBAN, Deputy Clerk Quarter Session, late of Company Regiment Peunsjlvaiila Reserves. "D," First SUBJECT TO REPUBLICAN RULES. FOR COUNTY TREASURER : JOHNM. GRIDER, OF WEST HEMPPIELD TOWNSHIP, Clerk in said Office in 18T0 and 1871, and now Clerk in the Commissioners' Office. FOR PROTHONOTARY: CAPT. E. MCMELLEN, OF LANCASTER OITY. Entered tiie army as a private September, 1861. Dis- charged as a Captain, August, 1865. SUBJECT TO REPUBLICAN RULES. u OTTT OF "WOilK." •OHO AND CHORUB, BY .AXICE ECA-WTHORNE. Author of '* Listen to the Mockinj? Bird," '* I'll sail the le&a #T«r," " What is Home without a Mother," etc., etc, "Out of work, without a penny, Pleading hel before thy door, Without friends among the many — liook with pity ou the poor." • , • One of the most touching and beautiful ballads ever written, will give the author a more extended popularity than anything she has ever written. Price 35 ceuts — or, Hlostrated title page 40 cents. For sale at all music stores, or will be sent postpaid on )r«e«ipt of price by the publishers, J. M. STODDART & CO,, ♦-9 723CheBtiuit Street, Philadelphia. ESTABLISHED 1832. G. 8ENER & SONS, Manufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and finished i.uimeb£:je%, Rie best Sawed SHINC1I.es iu the country. Also Sash, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c. PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any other. Also best I'OAl. constantly on hand, OFFICE AND YARD : northeast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts., LANCASTER, PA.. 9-1-ly THE THREE POTATOES. EARLT OHIO.— Earlier than Early Rose. Eanked by general coiiseut, in earliuess, yield and quality combined at the head of all the early potatoes. BURBANK.— Medium late; a prodigious cropper; flesh remarkably white ; quality excelleut. DUN^ORE.— A splendid late sort. A greater cropper than the Peerless, which it resembles in form, while far better in quality. Each, per Barrel, $4.00 ; per Bushel, $2.00 ; per Peck, 75 cents. My Illustrated Seed Catalogue free to all applicants. JAMES J H. GREGORY, 10-3-2m] IHsrblehead, Mass. w; At 1,11 i No. 221 CHURCH STREET, p. O. BOX. 1S90 IMPORTERS, BREEDERS and SHIPPERS of THOROUGH-BRED LIVE STOCK. Jersey and Ayr- shire Cattle and Calves, of the richest butter and milk stock. Soutlidown and Cotswold Sheej) and Lambs unsurpassed. Premium Chester White Pigs, York- shire Pigs of best importations, (see cut herewith from life) Berkshire Pigs, (sired by the famous Im- ported Prize Boar, The Collier, and out of other im- ported noted boars and sows), Essex and Poland China Pigs — all of the best Strains. Send forjelegant new illustrated catalogue. SigJb. Class Z^aixd <& "Water Fo-wls of all varieties. Fowls, Chicks and Eggs for hatching always for Sale at Low Prices, considering the high qual- ity, and reputation of our stock. Also Fancy Pigeons, Thorough-bred and Sportings Dogs. BURPEE'S NEl^ CA.TA.ImOGXJE, and Breeder's Manual is just out! 25,000 copies will be mailed FREE to Farmers and Breed- ers sending us their addresses. It is brimfull, of reliable descriptions, numerous large and handsome cuts from life of our best animals and Fowls ; is elegantly printed on tinted paper, and is without doubt the handsome.st free catalogue of stock ever issued. We wish every reader of the Lancaster Farmer would write foracopy. It will cost nothing. Addressasabove» pJJi^&tiLA 200 LBS. R ADE MJ Price, $25 Per Ton, TRADE MARK, The Philadelphia Poudrette is an active, energetic, natu- ral manure, is soluble (like barn-yard manure) without the- use of acids. It coutains the aoluble aalts of plants, which have served as food. These elements are indispensable to- the dcTclopment of cultivated crops, and in supplyiug^ these excrements t^ the soil, we return to it the constitu- ents which the crops have removed from it, and renew its capability of neurishiug new crops. It is an invaluable manure for Tobacco and other plants requiring an early, healthy start, and rapid growth, maturing them from ten to fifteen days earlier. The increasing demand and uniform satisfaction it has given on all crops during the past three years prove it a reliable fertilizer. A profitable and high de- gree of culture requires a liberal supply of manure. Circulars with testimonial can be had at the ofiftce of The EancaMter Farmer, and at 101 North Queen St. HIRAM E. LUTZ, Manufacturer. 1136 MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA. FOR REGISTER, HENRY KURTZ, (Subject to Republican Rules. Primary Election, Saturday, May 25, 1 78,) MOTJI^T JOY BOHOUaH. mailed FREE all applicanu. It con-' tains colore'! plate, 500 engravin about 150 pftges, »nd run descripnons. ^^ pricei acd directioDs for planting over 1200 Tarietiee of VegeUble and Flower Seeds, Plant*. Boaci EU lOTftluable to all. Send for it. Address B. U. FEEBY & CO., Detroit, Midi, 10-2-4m] AND Thoroughbred Short-Horn Cattle; Bred and For Sale by the undersigned. OF THE BEST MILKING STRAINS, aud at prices to suit the times. Herd open to iTspeotion b, strangers at all times (Sundays excepted.) I will be pleased J to show my herd to visitors, aud any information in regardi to the cattle will cheerfully be given, by letter, as desiredJ 1 il0.2-ly] A. M. RANK, Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster oo.. Pa. tt-l Q "Vaa-n (To nnl.iicrilieTs fn »pi d 1 CCtI ■( the comitj-. SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS. To snbBPrlben (he count :,°"""} $1.00 r.-.. "s^ -^ '..^ DEVOTED TO > ^. ^ Lmiifan Society janTS - , .^ fA >^ eh:;;; -I THEPARMERIS'THF FOUNDER j)fi CI VILI/ZATipN''- WEBSTER- Prof. S. S. KATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER JUNE 15, 1878. LIKNaUS RATHVON, Publisher. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. -ProB- Lancastcr County Cattle, - - - - The Robin Doonu-d to Death, - . . . The Cultivation of Wheat, - - - - Lancaster County Farming, - - - - Haymaking, ------- How to Save Plums and Gooseberries, Two Hundred Thousand Bugs, - - - Queries and Answers, ------ Correspondence, ------ Horned Owl — About Corn. Thin Out Your Fruit, - - - - - Apple Tree Borer, ------ The Game and Fish Law, as Passed by the Legis- lature of 1S78, -.-.-. Plymouth Rock Fowls, - - - - - Scurvy Legs in Fowls, - - - - - When is the Best Time to Harvest Wheat? - Local Fruit Nomenclature, - - - - - Revu of May Number — Von HumboU, - The Tomato, ------- Rambling Thoughts Strung Together — A. B. K., i CroakingR— What Must be Done — Argument Against Taking Papers — How it Must bo Done— Crops in Brag States — Cottou and Prolit — New Productions, Aroiind the Farm, No, 9, — liuralut, - Potato Beellee. Lancaster County Tobacco, . - - . The Crop Last Year — Its Ei'ent and Value- pects of the 1S7S Plant, A Simple Refrigerator, - . - - - Black Snake-Root—/. Stanffer, The Utilization of Waste Matters, State Board of Agriculture, - - - - Our Local Organizations, - - - - - Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Socieiy— Crop Eeports — Place of Meeting — Wheat Cultivation — Business for Next Meeting, May Meeting of Fulton Farmers' Club, Dinner and Inspecting the Host's Farm, Reminders for June, . - - - AGRICULTURAL. How to Use Fertilizers, Hoeing Wheat, - - - - The Value of Hen Manure, - - - Protecting Cornfields from Birds, - Buckwheat, - - - - - Soot and Wire-Worms, . - - • Manure for Tobacco, - - - - Mixed Paint, ------ HORTICULTURAL, Thinning Out Fruit, - - - - Protecting Trees Against Worms, - To Keep Cabbage, - - - - Flower Pots, ------ Is the Strawberry Wholesome, - Success of an Exposed Orchard, - The Egg-Plant, - - - - - A Hint to Geranium Growers, A Mammoth Bunch of Grapes, - DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Selecting Meats, - . - - The Uses of the Lemon, - - - Cellars, ------ Work Baskets, - - - - - Houseliold Recipes, LIVE STOCK, Raising Pork, - . - - - Balking, - - - - - Arab Maxims for Horse-Keeping, The Perfect Sheep-Dog, Success in Breeding Fine Stock, Curing a Sick Hog, - - - - The Keep of a Horse, - - - Number of Stock, - - - - If Cows are Kept, - - - - POULTRY. Oni:>ns for Poultry, - - - - Number of Eggs tliat a Hen Can Lay, Feeding for Eggs, - - - - How to Keep Eggs Fresh, Feed Fowls a Little and Often, Cooked Food for Chickens, - - - Grain for Poultry, - - - - Good Setters, . . - . - ENTOMOLOGICAL. Habits of Curculio, . - _ . Wire-Worms and Corn, - - - Literary and Personal, 94 94 !H !I4 94 94 94 94 9.5 9.5 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 90 90 90 m^FEARLESS Railway Threshing Machine proved Itself the "Best at Centennial Trial," and was the only Machine awarded a Centennial Medal AND CERTIFICATE OF MERIT, on both Hofpo Power and Thresher and ( leftner, at tho Centennial Exhibition, as shown by OUlclal Keport, "Which says: *' For .ipecial fenturtftin the Power to secure nohtrunnijig find jniriiniiim friction. For tht ingenious form of the Straw Shnkertt ichich inxnre the proper agitation Uj ftevnraU the grain from the fttraw." For catalogue, addrcse MlVARD nARDER, Cobleskill. Schoharie County, N. T 10-6-:sm OUR IMPROVED PEST POISON Is a S.AFE. suit- and cheap dcs^tf oyer uf Uie Currant \\ inni, uiid all Insects thai Prey OQ Vcgclatlon. Wurniuu-d to kdi Kith IIUQ9 wheru I'arls (;rcen kills Onk, yet it is BAFKR TO rsE, and la not Injurious to plants. Costf!only"5r. to.V'n. per arrc, J-lh box sent free by mall forSt'c. Send for circular w lib hundreds of testimonials. Our Cabbajre Worm Dewlroyor Is KOT AT ALL Poii^oNors. but Mirodealli to ttie w.irm. Sample for trial eent free on receipt of 15 rt-nisi. Postaoe Stamts ArcKPTEn. Discount to the Trade. KEAUKET CUEMU AL WORKS. J. R. Dey. Apenr, if. O. Box 3139. Omce, C6 Cortlandt St., New i ork 10-5-2m THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN. flje Lancaster ^umi A MONTHLY JOURNAL, DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI- CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND MISCELLANY. PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY Made a prominent feature, with special reference to the wants of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit -Grower. Founded under the auspices of the I-incaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Edited Tjy Prof. S. S. RATHVOIT. The Farmer will be puhliphed on the 15th of every month, printed ou good pajter with clear type, in con- venient form for reading and binding, aud mailed to buI>- scribers ou the following TERMS: To subscribers residing within the oouuty — One Copy, one year, ------ $i.oo Six Copies, one year, - , _ . . . 5.00 Ten Copies, one yeiir. ------- 7.50 To Biibeoribera ouleidc of Lauoaeter oouuty, including j>OBtage pre-paid by the publiiUiers: One Copy, one year, - ----- $1.35. Five Copies, one year, - - - - - - 5.00- All eiul^scriptionq will comnaeooe with the January num- ber unle^e otherwise ordered. All commuuicationa intended for publjcatfon should be addreflsed to the Editor, and, to secure insertion, should be in his hands by the first of the mouth of publication. All buHine^B letters, containing subscriptions and adver- tisenientB. should be addre«senper. Estimates farnistieilfree. Send lor a Cuxolar. We Will Pay the HigW Market Price or we will Bell them for vou oa BUTTER, gsain.e; for all of the following articles or we will Bell them for you oa ^% (5 per ceut.) comuiisssiou Cheefee, EGOS. P O U F.- T K T. Lard, T;illlow, Feiith, ers, l'oLatoo8, A l»PI. KS, li'lour, Feed, Fur, Hide«, Wool, Peanuts, Broom Corn, Dried Fruit » Hay, Hops. &c., &c. ' l.ll>eral cikNli a^lvanceN made ou large consignments of staple articles. Farmers, shippers and dealers in general merchandise should write for refe- rence, pi'ice current, stencil, &c. When writing us, state whether you wish to ship ou consignment, or sell; if you wish 10 sell, name the articles, anioant of each, and your VERY { OWEST PRICE i?^.^r.t. B, (free aboard cars) at your nearest shipping point. Also, if possible, send sample by mail; if too bulky, by freight. Addess HULL & SGOTNEY, GENERAL Commission & Shipping Mercliants, •i-il and .346 Nortli Water street, 9-U.ly] PHILADELPHIA. We are now selling ITew Pianos for $125 Each, and all styles, including fSranil, Square and ITp- ri^ht. all iieiv and striciiy first-olaMM, at the lowest net caNli wliolesale factory prices, direct to the purchaser. No Agents; no commissisns ; no discounts. Pianos for $200, containing MATHUSHEK'S New Patent Duplez Overstrung Scale, which is without question the greatest improvement ever put into a Square Piano, producing the most astonishing Pawerf richness and depth of tone, and a sustaining singing quality never before attained. Our Uprights are the finent in America. Pianos sent on trial. Don't fail to write for Illus- trated and Descriptive Catalogue — mailed free. MENDELSSOHN PIANO CO., 9-T-ly BTo. 21 East Fifteenth St., N. Y. 1 p^VniC WANTED. Best comliination and most lib- AuuDI 1 0 eral terms. Send for circulars. Nationai. MOKTHLY. Washiugtou, D. 0. ' Uuqiiestioiiably the best NiiNtaiiied work ot the kind in the World." ILLUSTRATED. yutiees of the Pres^. The veteran Magaziiit, which long ago outgrew its origit nal title of the Sew Monthly Magazine, has not in the least abated the popularity it won at the outset, but has added to it in many ways, and has kept fairly abreast of the times, thanks to the enterprise of the publishers and the tact and wisdom of its editors. For whatever is best and most read- able in the Literature of travel, discovery, and fiction, the average reader of to day looks to Harper's Magazine, just as expectantly as did the reader of a quarter of a century ago; there is the same admirable variety of contents and the same freshness aud suggestiveueas in its editorial department* now as then. — Boaton Journal, T E eTm S . Pegtige Free tc all SabscrilDers in ths United Statei. H.\RPEu's Magazink, one year $4 00. $4 00 includes prepayment of U. S. poatage by the pub- lishers. SubscrijitiotUS to HaRPKB'B MAGAZINE,WHEKLY,aT(fi Baxar, to one addrens for one year. $10 Oil ; or. two of Ilarper'» Periodicals, to one address for one year, $T,00 ; postage freo. An Extra Copt/ of either the Magazine, Weeklt, or Ba- zar will be supplied gratis far every Club of Five Sudscri- BERS a( ft 00 ^.ac/^ paiii /or by one remittance; or^ Six Cop- ies one year, without extra copy, for ^M 00. Back yumbers can be supplied at any time. The volumes of the Magazine commence with the Num- bers for June aud December of each year. When no time ia specified, it will be uuderstood that the subscriber wishes to begin with the current Niuuber. A complete Set of Harper's MagazinI, now oomprising 55 Volumes in neat cloth binding, will be sent by expresa, freight at expense of purchaser, for $2 25 per volume. Single volumes by mail, i>o.Htpaid, $3 00. Cloth cases, for binding, 50 ceuts, by mail, postpaid. A Complete Analytical Index to the first Fifty Volumes of Hakpkr'8 Magazine has been published, rendering availa- ble for refereuce the vast and varied wealth of information which couHtitutes this periodical a perfect illustrated litera- ry cyclopedia. 8vo, Cloth, $2 00; Half Calf, $5 25. Sent postage pvejiaid. Subscriptions received for Harper's Perioaicala only. ycip.'^pajiers are not to copy this advtrtisevient without the express orders of Harper & Brothers. Address HARPER & BROTHERS. New York. ^^ Ma per 1,00U aud upwards, for Seedlings of Shade frtT and Timber Trees. A siir|>lun of young trana- ^L I planted EVEKGREENH, CONCORD GRAPE -J\ I^VINES, ETC. Send for Price List. Address, W"" J. JENKINS, Grape and Seedling Nursery, 10-2-4m] WINONA, Columbiana County, Ohio. The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., JUNE, 1878. Vol. X. No. 6. LANCASTER COUNTY CATTLE. Our rciulcrs, oulsiilo of lli(> gcogniiiliical limits of Ij;iiK';istfi-c()iiiity, and many of llicxse residing witliin said limits, may feel interesU'd in. the line cat tic and feeding system of Messrs. C. ]5. Ilerr iV Son, of Manor twp. . Lancaster county, as witnessed liy us on a recent visit to tlie stock stables of those enterprising fann- ers. It is almost snperlliious to say that the elder Ilerr is i'resident of the Lnncdskr Onint)/ A'dtiiiniil Jiiuil\ and a sou of the former "King of tlie Manor," (a designation accorded to him for many years, antl who.se reputation as a cattle grower liiniself has lieen so amply enhanced and improved by his en- terprising decendants). Altliongh progress is manifested in the .different departments of the farm, the farm buildings and farm i)ro- ductions, yet as the fattening of stock cattle for tlie shambles of the butcher is the specialty of the Messrs. Ilerr, we will conline our re- marks mainly, on this occasion, to the imi)res- sions made by this casual visit upon our mind. The system of ventilation, feecling, littering and grooming of the cattle, and the economi- cal ininciples upon which the whole work is conducted, seem to be as nearly ))erfect as any we have ever witnessed, although the proprietors have many things yet in view, which will be eventually .accomplished, but which require lime. The basement of the barn is entirely occupied by cattle stalls, with ample gangways between them, and in the rear of them, so that access to every animal can be had without going out of the building, climbing over, or dodging under. Facing the barn from the south, including its appendages, it is in the form of an inverted X, the central arm extending backward ; and this extension constitutes an immense corn- crib, e(iual to three stories high, systematically ventilated, and capable of holding three thou- sand bushels of corn in the ears, and the cap.acity of the granaries contiguous to it, are three thousand bushels in grains. The right and left wings of the liarn are Hanked by large tobacco sheds, the basement of the one being occupied as a "piggery," and the other by a dog-power, by which the water is innuped from a fresh spring well beneath, and is con- ducted by means of pi|)es and troughs to the different cattle stalls. One of Jlr. .John Best's best ten-horse power engines, and a tiftecn- liorse power wrought-iron boiler, by the same, are erected and in use to run the chop- piug-mill, corn-sheller, thresher, hay-cutter, fodder cutter and various other operations needing power. The water to supply the boil- er is conducted through troughs and s|iouting from the entire roof of the barn and annexes, to a large tank, where it is reserved for that special purpose. (By the way, the proprietors paid a very high compliment to the scdentilic and mechanical skill of ilr. Best as a builder of boilers and engines.) The mill, the gi'an- aries, the hay and fodder cutters, &c., being on the second floor, they are convenient to the cribs and mows, from whence the corn, oats, hay and fodder are brought in the rough state, to be passed through the grinding, shelling and cutting processes, and are then discharged into receivers on the basement floor on a level with the cattle stalls. Here the chopped corn and oats, and the cut hay and fodder, are placed in two long covered troughs, and saturated with cold spring water in sunnner, and hot water in winter, a, large tank being iu proximity, connected by pipes with the boiler al)ove, "and the well below. These troughs contain enough for one " feed " for the sixty-five head of cattle iu the stalls. As soon as, these covered troughs are emi)tied they are refilled and moistened, and left to stand thus until the next feed. The feed is giveu three times a day, namely, at 5 o'clock in the morning, at 11 o'clock a. m., and at (1 o'clock p. m. ; anil fresh water is given twice a day — between the feeds in the forenoon and afternoon. No hay-racks are in the stables,, and there is an unobstructed view of the whole herd from any position in the stable. Indeed, vi'ry little or no hay at all is fed "in the rough ;" all is cut and steamed or mois- tened, and every bladi; and stalk is so com- pletely economized and utilized, that hardly a stray fragment can be found lying about large enough to m.ake a toothpick. The Messrs. Ilerr have introduced a novel mode of currying and brushing theircattle by steam power by means of wheels, pulleys, shafts and belts connected with the engine, and the brushes are manipulated by a flexible arm and eccentric movements, something iu the man- ner of that used by dentists for drilling out and cutting teeth, only on a much lai'ger scale — the brushes and combs revolving sinn- lar to those used by fashionable barbers. When the feeding hour arrives the jiroven- der is placed iu olilong, square barrows, or trucks, on wheels, and i)ushed through the gangways and distributed among the cattle, with as much facility as a lady pushes a child in the carriage along the sid(^walk. All these details, however, and others which we may have omitted, are but subs'idiary to the great centre of attr.actiou, namely, the sixtv-five head of cattle in the stalls. These, \vhen the time comes to commit them to the shambles — about the middle of .Tuly — will weigh not much less than one hundred and tirciiti/ thous- and jjounds, if they do not exceed that weight. We are not at liberty to give their estimated weight at the present time, but it seems sulli- cient to justify the amount we have men- titnied, when they are ready for market. The cattle are so healthy, kept .so clean, and the ventilation so perfect that the odor exhaling from them is not as oflensive as that which is encountered sometimes among human beings ; and then we can easily imagine an assemblage of men who do not look as intelligent as these "dumb animals" — none at least whose eyes are so beautifully bright, whose breath so sweet, and whose look so gentle and innocent as these varieties of the genus lias. Some continue to chew theie "cud" with philo- sophical gravity when strangers appear, otliers manifest some curiosity, .some assume a sort of indillerence, but all look gentle and inno- cent, and surely no one can justly call them "common and unclean." As a rule these cattle arc kept tied up in tlie stall all the wliile, and when, for cause, any are temporarily left out itisanuising to notice tluar unwieldy playful- ness and their grotesciue attempts to kick up thi'ir heels and run, like great /aJ hoi/n indulg- ing iu the recess recreations of a country school. In addition to the tobacco .sheds already mentioned the Messrs. Herr have erected a very large shed facing the public highway, that is 8.J feet long. ;!U feet ileep, and eciual to a building four stories and an attic high, without including the basement cellar ; so that it may be said th.at their specialties are cattle raising (or fattening) and tobacco grow- ing ; but we rather incline to the opinion that if they were to abandon the latter altogidher, and devote the tobacco groimil to corn an(l oats, it might in the end be made more profit- able to the farmer. All these buildings are ])ermaiient and mechanically constructed frame work, planed and painted, and very unlikethe temporary, undressedand unpainted buildings so commonly met with elsewhere for that purpose. Di passing to and fro we were agreeably impre.s.sed with the old Manorial di.strict, in the heart of which the Herr farms are located; its rolling lands, its waving fields of luxuriant grain, its UKsmdering streams, its rural man- sions, anil its cozy clusters of woodland, and withal, its prospective flelds of corn and to- bacco. A bountiful Providence seems to have been profuse in bis gifts on eveiy hand ; and if our "great expectations " are" not realized when the harvest comes, instead of indulging in untoward croaking, it will in: well to poii^ der with our inner self to see w^hether we really were deserving of any belter results, reconciling ourselves to the spiritual " powers that he." THE ROBIN DOOMED TO DEATH. " A gentleman writes to the Norristown Ihrahl that the house-sparrow scratches out and eats his (leas. Well, all we liavo to say is, that if he jilants bis ]ie;isso shallow that a bird as big as the lirst joint of the thumb can .scratch them out, they ter connti/, Pa. — The larger, ugly and dirt-colored worm in your box, is very probably the "corn cut- worm," (Gortyua zeir.) A cut-worm it surely ie, but there are many .species of these worms, and very -variable in coloration and marking. Eveu the same species undergo a. series of changes in their various stages of development. Being found in a corn field and In a hill of corn, we infer it is the individual above named. The smaller worm, of a dark color, with whitish cross lines and six feet is tlie larva of a spcciesof " Soldier Beetle," (Tei.e- I'llouiu.K) of which there are a great many species in Lancaster county, but we think it may be referred to the genus Tdrplionis. These insects have been known to destroy the larva' of the cwrcuUo, and we have known the inatuie beetle to attack and destroy snails. We confined the two in a bottle, and in a few hours thereafter the latter had killed the former and eaten a great hole in his side, un- equal as they were m size. Mr. D. L. I{., Bird-in-IIand, Lanrn.ster amnly. — Your rose bushes seem to have Ix-en infested by Tettigonians, similar to, if not the same as the above, although nothing but the white cast-off skins were present on the leaves we examined. We thiidc the mild previous winter was the cause of the abundftnce of the above insects early in the present season. CORRESPONDENCE. (iuEr.NJ:, L.incaslcr en.. Pa., ) May 2l6t, 1878. S .S. S. Katiivon — Editor Lancanler Farmer Dear Sir: I 6011(1 to you, by stattc, an owl which I cap- tuii'il lapl iiiijlit as lie was making his usual noc- turnal visit to my hen roost ; accept the present. Yours, J.I'axsox IIamih.eto!?. [Thanks for the " Horned Hooter," which was safely delivered. It is of the .same species (Bul)O riiyiniami.^) as the one received from (iuarryville last Christmas, and may be its mate, "but this does not nece.ssarily follow, as this liird, except during the mating season, is usually "solitary and selfish" in the extreme. This is the largest species of the owl kind that occurs in Lanca.ster county, at least the largest Horned Owl. The "Snowy Owl" (Xyctra nivea) is his equal in size and rapacity, and often occurs larger. The Horned Owl feeds on small mammals and reptiles ; is a good mou.ser, but has too strong a penchant for the hen roost for his presence to be tolerated in any community where povdtry abounds. Whoa he is succ<'ssful once in a poultry house he usually repeats his visits mitil he "sweeps the board" or is captured, and through his ra- pacity and his success he often becomes un- guarded and "imts his foot into it." In this respect he is probably like many of the bipeds belonging to the hmnan species, and fares about as badly in the end. It is very certain that he sometimes destroys more fowls in a given time than he can po.ssibly consume — therefore "let him die."] About Corn. Buck, Lancaster Countt, Pa., ) May 31, 1878. { S. S. RATin-ON : Enclosed is a specimen of my corn ; it was very slow coining up, and now seems to he getting less. Nearly the whole field Is badly hurt ; a piece of low ground is not so bad, and a plot of new ground is still less liurt ; other years it was nearly as bad ; it seems to be an insect. If you can give a remedy or i>reventive, you will much oblige a friend. — .Tonaa Iluttcr. The corn plants came duly to hand, but we could not detect an insect of any kind upon them, or inclo.sed with them. The blades looked as if some kind of an herb-eating in- sect had cut them in holes ; but, onr know- ledge of entomology is by no means ecpial to the gun we once heard of, which would kill a bird as well "where it isn't as where it is;" and therefore we cannot tell what the insect was, nor yet recommend a remedy, without having specimens, or an accurate description. According to the ob.servatlons of our friend, there must be something the matter with his corn, esiiecially .'is he had a similar experience in "other years." If it were not that we are totally unacquainted with the circumstances attending those other years, we would suggest that the present season has, thus far, Ijeen rather unfriendly to the corn on account of the low temperature of the entire month of May. If it were us, we believe we would rather have oiu: seed corn in the garner thaa 84 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [June, in the ground diirins; such weather. "We have known corn to be planted on the 10th of June to take a vigorous start from the beghming, and to mature as early, and a far better crop, than that planted on the 20th of May. As this is a matter of a succession of years, there may be a deficiency in the soil of some element that corn especially needs ; or less likely, soniethhig present that is unfriendly to corn. Tills is ii question, however, which involves an experimental knowledge of agricultural chemistry, in order to shed the needed liglit upon it. A Bureau of A(jricuUural Chemistry in every county will be one of the necessities of tlie near future. THIN OUT YOUR FRUIT. The present time is a trying one to fruit- growers, and calls upon tliem for the exorcise of all their prudence and fortitude. Pear, peach, plum and other fruit trees will again present, as they nearly always do, overladen boughs which will be unable to mature their burdens. To secure the best results the pru- dent fruit-grower must undertake tlie reluc- tant task of i-emoving the surplus in order that the remainder may reach its highest state of perfection and the vigor of the trees remain unimpaired. Who that has had experience in this matter does not know that a more disa- greeable suljject cannot possibly be called np. How many of our readers have favorite fruit trees, which they know require to be thinned out, iHit which they do most reluctantly, if at all. To deliberately pluck half the fruit from a favorite pear or j>each tree seems a direct loss of just that much. Argument is gener- ally in vain, and even with those who are fully alive to the necessity it is an ungracious task. Yet nothing is more necessary. The deed will in the end repay the doer. Larger, better and tiner fruit will lie the reward and an abundant crop in the following year. Thinning out fruit always pays. Fruit-growers understand this and practice it. That is why their fruit is always finer- than that grown by amateurs, and commands higher prices. Even the writer, well aware of tlie pernicious results of forcing a tree to bear beyond its capacity, last year permitted his judgment to be swayed in the case of a choice dwarf pear ; instead of re- moving twenty of the twenty-eight handsome pears that hung upon the little tree, the pretty picture was allowed to remain and gladden the sight until fall. But he has paid dearly for that act of imprudence ; not a flower did it put forth this spring, and its growtli has been stunted in addition, not having advanced a single inch during the present season. He will never commit the same mistake in the future. [The foregoing from the editorial columns of the New M-a, is so fully corroliorated by our own experience that we believe we can place no more seasonable dish before our readers at this time than the aliment it con- tains. We mourn the loss of a thrifty and proline young Delaware grapevine, because we disobeyed the admonition of 'a Horticul- tural Father to remove only seventy-tivc clus- ters of grapes out of one hundred and thirty- five. But we were too "stingy," and as a eon- sequence we only ripened a dozen, and the following year had no grapes, and the year after that no vine. We "killed it with kind- ness." Sinners, take heed. — Ed,] ^^ APPLE TREE BORER. An article in the Bural for March 23d, en- titled, "To kill the larvte of the apple-tree borer," has attracted my attention. It, I think, greatly magnifies the ditticulty of de- stroying this "worm." Let me hazard an opinion in regard to the arrangement therein described for killing the pest. It is not prac- tical to any extent. It would be of no use unless the nozzle were inserted directly into the chamber he has excavated for liimself and where he is ; for the idea of ever forcing any liquid through the mass of dehris he leaves behind him, would in nine cases out of ten utterly fail ; for it would escape through the prilices iu the bark, which he makes to dispose of the surplus dehris, when it is iu his way. Enough for that. I have dug out thousands of these pests, having had a large experience among orchards not my own and also among nursery trees. I never found a hole where one had entered closed by the growth of the tree. Having removed the soil around tlie base of tree to expose the presence of the " worm," on clear- ins^ the bark by scraping it with the back of a knife, his presence is Indicated by a little spot, and tlie extrusion of a greater or less amount of chips. If he is a juvenile, hatched the current year, or only one year old, he will be found near and a little below the ori- fice and is easily destroyed ; as he has cut but a small place beneath the tree at all. If two j'cars old, he will be found further down the root, having cut a somewhat tortuous and continually widening path and packed it hard with dehris, involving more and more of the woody structure. This downward path is generally about four inches long, seldom six. lie then turns and cuts his way up, generally keeping near the other path and passes the place of entrance, whereupon he commences to cut deeper, making a path in the sound wood and keeping entirely away from the bark. Ho continues his path upwards to about a foot above the place of entrance, cuts to near the surface, retires to the excavation he has made and goes through his last change, getting his wings ready for an active out-door life. I think the injury to the tree is principally done the first two years, while he is cutting between the bark and wood. If there is a hole tlirough the bark in the body of the tree, above the place of entrance, it is too late to look for him. He is gone, but if there is no hole he has not yet got away. In that case cut down after him, remove the dead bark and dehris, and follow his path until you find an open chamber, and then it is not diflicult to dislodge or destroy him with a fine wire. An acquaintance .of mine takes a small bit, and after finding his bearing bores in and fol- lows him u]) that way. It is a benefit to the tree to clear the path made oi^ dehris nud dead material. I have noticed that as long as the dead matter remains no young wood is formed at the edges ; and the healing process does not go on, but as soon as dead matter is re- moved and the edges cut afresh and smooth, a now deposit of wood is made and the scar commences to heal up, and if the wound is not too great it heals over. I have found some trees with so many old fellows that they were entirely girdled and could not be saved. The method of prevention mentioned in the article referred to is good, but not infallible — perhaps no method is infallible. The nearest to that is to wrap the bottom of the tree, from an inch or two under to a foot over ground, with cloth or paper, from the first of May till the middle of September, when it should be removed, to enable the bark to harden that it may not be injured by the freezing of winter. Another method of preventing mischief is to bank the trees with earth, four or five inches high, in the early part of the season ; and re- move it in the fall and cut out any borers that may be present, before they have done and harm. Whatever preventive may be employey the trees should be carefully examined once or twice a year. Have any of our readers observed that buckwheat sown in an orchard will keep away borers ? I have lately come to take charge of a large orchard, and "find, on examining the trees, that in apart of it wliere buckwheat was raised last year there were none of the young larvae. Was the buckwheat the cause ?— Rural New Yorker. THE NEW GAME AND FISH LAW, AS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE' OF 1878. The new law passed by the Legislature, at the session just clo.sed entitled, " An act to amend and consolidate the several acts re- lating to game and fish," makes some changes iu the former laws. We uotice the following provisions which will be interesting to our readers : It iirohibits killing of gray, black or fox squirrels between the 1st of January and the 1st of September,under penalty of five dollars. It prohibits the killing of hares or rabbits, between the 1st of January and 15th day of October, under a penalty of five dollars. It provides tliat no person shall kill or have in their possession any wild fowl between the 15th of May and 1st of September, under a penalty of ten dollars. fh-ass plovers cannot be killed between the 1st of January and the 15tli of July, under ten dollars penalty. Woodcock cannot be killed between the 1st of January and the 4th of July. Penalty, ten dollars. Tlie killing or exposing for sale, partridges nr quails, between the 1st of January and the 15th of October is prohibited. Pheasants cannot be killed between January 1st and October 1st. Pheasant hunting at night is also prohiliited. Penalty, ten dollars. J7o person sliall kill at any time (except for scientific investigation) any night hawk, whip- poorwill, sparrow, thrush, lark, finch, martin, chimney swallow, barn swallow, woodpecker, flicker, robin, oriole, red or cardinal bird, cedar bird, tanager, cat-bird, blue bird, or any other insectiverous birds. Penalty, five dollars. Pheasants, partridges, woodcock, rail or reed-birds not to be caught with traps, nets, snares or torchlights. Penalty, ten dollars. No hunting, sliooting or lishing on Sunday. Penalty, twenty-five dollars. Trout fishing, except with rod, hook and line, except for propagation, prohibited. Penalty, twenty-five dollars. Brook trout fishing prohibited, except during the mouths of April, May, June and July. Penalty, teu dollars. Fish baskets, gill nets, pond nets, eel wires, kiddles, brush or facine nets, or any other permanently set means of taking fish, pro- hibited. Penalty, twenty-five dollars. Fishing with seines prohibited, shad fishing excepted. Penalty, twenty five dollars. Fishing with hoop nets, in streams not in- habited by brook trout, witji nets of not less than an inch in size, is allowed. Persons catching any trout, bass, pike or pickerel in such nets, must return them to the water, under twenty-five dollars jienalty. Bass fishing prohibited between the 1st of January and the 1st of June. Bass can be taken or killed only with a hook and line, scroll or spear. Penalty, ten dollars. Catching bn.ss or trout in nets, by drawing oft' waters, prohibited ; placing poisonous bait, quick lime, giant powder, or substances in the waters of the Common wealth to catch fish, prohibited. Penalty, fifty dollars. Bass less than six inches in length not to be caught, or if caught, must be returned to the water. Penalty, ten dollars. Actions for penalties under this act to be brought before justices of the peace. In de- fault of payment of fines offenders shall be committed to prison not less than one day for each dollar of line imposed. Mayors, bur- gesses and police officers are to see that the law is observed. There are other penalties and provisions of the law, but we have given a synopsis of the more important ones that apply to this part of the State. Our readers, as a matter of sport, may feel very little interest in the game laws of the State, but as they may possess premises upon which hunters are likely to trespass or poach, the above synopsis may enlighten them as to the time when the different kinds of game are ill or out of season, and the penalties for the violations of the same. High-toned sporting men respect those seasons, and the laws made in pursuance thereof; but there are many would-be crack 'shots who discard all law on the subject, and are at all times on the lookout for an oppoi'tnnity to wantonly trespass, kill and destroy. It would be well to "go" for these. 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 85 PLYMOUTH ROCK FOWLS. Our cuts illustrate the "Sliiiiiiarcll'lynioulli Eooks." Tliey are larifi! ami of f^oixl shape, viTV iiluni|) bodii'd with lull lircasts. Tlicy iiiatiuT early aiul make larjje V)r()ilers for early sininjj uiarliel. They are very .suiierior lalile fowls, havhifialso brif^ht yellow lej?s, free from feathers. They are t;ood layei's, aud combin- ing as they do, in a wonderful degree, the economies of large size, iirnlilie laying and superior sitting (lualitie.s, we do not hestitale to recommend them as a fowl for utility and profit. These fowls are an out-and-out American breed, having been originated and perfected here. And they are a production of which American fanciers may well be proud; for of all the favorites known in the fowl category thi'se are more than others entitled to be called "The Farmers' Fowl." Moore's liiiru! Nero Yorker — which ought to be good testimony, if age and experience are of any value — says: ''Among the many line breeds of fowls originated or introduced from abroad during the past half century the Plymouth Itocks appear to hold a very promi- nent position, or to put it in the language of one of our noted breeders, " They are just now roosting on the topmost wave of gen- eral popularity." They are an American breed, having originated by crossing the old, short-legged Domi- ni(iues with some variety of the Asiatics ; the color, hardi- ness and other good qualities of the former being preserved wil'h important addition of an increase in size. The Plymouth Rocks may be considered a " general-i)ur- lio.se breed," the hens being excellent layers and gooil i I'nothers. In their case, there- i fore, there is no necessitj' |^^ in keeping two breeds on' a place in order to ob- tain both eggs and chickens, as must be done when only the non-sitting varieties are keiit, thereby increasing thi g clian<'esof intrnducing im)iuri Vil(n)d into one's tlock. Tlie> are also a clean-legged lireed. ~_ thei'c being no feathers on b^-^^ „ '. their feet and lower part of- -^- the leg, to dabble in the snow^^-^ _ ,,_ and mud, and in this way fur- ^^&^^rr^'-7 nish a congeni.al harbor for ---s^Sfc: parasites, which cause a disease known as the "scurvy-leg." The combs and wattles are also of moderate size, and not likely, there- fore, to become frozen in cold weather, as iu breeds which have these almost useless, but orn;imeutal apjiendages more largely de- veloped. The general color of these birds i? gray, or what would be genernlly denominated a hawk- color, each feather beimr distinctly penciled across with dark bars. The beak is a bright yellow, short, stout at base, and with a line curved point. Eyes large, cleai' and bright. Comb red, single, uin-ight and .straight. Wat- tles and ear-lolies bright red and of medium size. Neck of the cock of medium length with abundant hackle. .(;olor bluish gray, and fiee from white or black feathers, and wlien these occur they should lie considered a dis- (pialhication. Legs large and sti'ong. of medi- mn length, and tlie skin of a yellowish color. Disposition quiet, not much given to roaming far, or attempting to tly, for their wings arc too .small and their bodies too heavy to admit of much progress in llight. Messrs. W. A. Birpep: & Co., of Philadel- phia, (to whom we arc indebted for the above illustrations,) who have a choice stock of these fowls for sale, state, that '' If a better breed for the farmer who desires both eggs and meat exists, they have failed to find it, although by some they may have been tried and ' found wanting.'" SCURVY UEGS IN FOWLS. White legs and scurvy legs are synonymous ; that is, blanching of the shanks generally pre- cedes the scurvy. Ulanched legs, aud the un- sightly scurviness generally proceeds from low couits habits and its peculiar qualities. If we hap- pen to originate or develop a new potato there is no need for us to wait until some man in the Russian empire condescends to give it a name, and especially so when it is apparent that lie knows nothing about it beyond the bare fact of its existence. I here allude to the common or popular name — that name hy which it may become best known among the common people — among those who cultivate it, who trattic in it, or who consume it. Its scientific name may be left to the option of scientific men. At the Centennial pomological exposition, where the poverty of Pennsylvania in aggres- sive pomology was by comparison very ap- parent as a whole, I made the limited ac- quaintance of Dr. Staman, of Leavenworth, Kansas. The doctor appeared to be an earnest, industrious and persevering pomologist. His catalogue contained over nine hundred de- scribed and figured varieties of apples and pears, all of which were duly baptized with a popular name, and many of these names were bestowed or endorsed by himself; but he was always very particular to learn as much as he possibly could about the history, the habits and the quality of all new or unnamed varie- ties presented to him. About six months after the close of tlie Centennial exposition I received a letter from him, in which he stated that his catalogue had been increased to sev- enteen hundred varieties, a large number of which he had picked np at the C^entennial. Many people had sent their unnamed fruit there for a name, just as if it could not have been named in tlie locality where it origi- nated. I had presented an excellent apple to this society for two or three successive seasons for a name ; and although it had lieen grown in this city for forty years, and possessed qualities which I thought were worthy of per- petuation, it elicited" no serious attention whatever. I gave Dr. Staman a specimen of this fruit, and also some scions, and he has described and named it the Scner Pippin, after the person who had been in possession of the tree for a number of years, and through whom it had been brought before the public. Whether a fruit possesses good or only in- different qualities, if it is a fixed aud well de- fined variety, it still ought to have a name, in order that we may be able to deal with it intelligently — to at once reject it if it is worthless, or adopt it if it is good. When a botanist discovers a new plant, he immediate- ly proceeds to describe aud name it, no matter ho\v poisonous or otherwise worthless it may be, because in some instances it is as impor- tant tliat the inferior qualities of a thing should be known as the superior qualities of some other thing, in order that we may be able to discriminate between them. But there is a rule among scientists to the effect that when a new object is discovered, described and named, in order to elicit public recognition, the discovery, the description and the name should be published to the world, and not be kept within the domain of a single fiimily, or be hidden in the unpub- lished proceedings of a single society. Hence it seems to me that the matter should be dele- gated to a competent commission or com- mittee, whose decision— under the qualifica- tions heretofore stated — should be final. I offer these remarks as suggestions, and preliminary to a plan for bringing into some kind of order the loose fragments in fruit nomenclature which are so plentifully strewn all over the county of Lancaster, and for the want of a knowledge of which we seem to be always hankering after foreign things of far less excellence. For The Li\NrASTEn Faumkk. REVU OF MAY NUMBER. Attraction Extradvilinarp. — Tiie Y. M. C. A. aud the Linnean hav clasped hands it sems. It wud not hurt yur Ag. and Ilort. Societe to giv them compane. Kitchen Garden. Calender.— The closing paragraf is xcelent, in urging tlie cultivation of garden vegetabls with hors insted of woman power. General Suggestions.— This articl is so sound that any of yur reders may understand it, but as ther dades and grandades did not belev in such nufangld noshuns, fu of them wil. The Cat-liird.— Much as we lik his songs, and. even his mokery, we wud rather du with- 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 87 out them, than without the fruts witcli tha destroy for us. Sdmetliiiig Ahout K7,s. — 11 scnis straiij; that naturalists dont no nior aliout llic liabits ov thes snak tisli, but we (h)nt car. "We wud ratlior c-t sliad. MoreUs. — We wud bo niucli gralilied if sombod^' wud scud uh a nies now and tlien, or put us in tlie wa ov sroiufj llieiu. .Sum ov our frends mit lern the bisnes during ther visit to I'aris. Lnti-I'l(t)it(d Prachlilnvs, — A. B. (J.'sartiel jirovs tliat it i.s saf to lev the old rut in pntato- lilanting. It shos how lal and erly wc ma plant them and reali/.e gud (•roi)s. ^f(nalmil(• (Irass-liiinier. — From its descrip- tion it nnist be snplyiug a grat want on the prairies, but Mr. Yanke is tn lat to cary of the oners of the invenshun. I'erhaps he wil get to work and conlriv something that wil het without any fuel. Priipiiiiiiti'iij III/ Natiinil Seleclion.-TUe hints b_v •!. U. r excelent, but if he wil practice his tilery he wil lern (hat his lotery wil draw many blanks to 1 pri/.e. His advice to farmers wil not hurt the nursery bisnes for a while yet. On planting potatoes his lied is perfectly level ; also on having our implements in order in time. The editor's (piotation of the ancient proverb mit clos iu many cases with '.li» insted of it. Around the Fdrin. — Kuralist has switched of upon a nu trak, but we dont if he can in- due any won to eml)ark iu the sed bisnes of the oruamental plants and flowers witch he describs. We can get plenty ov them with- out sending to Manor township. Our own township mit hav som to spar. .Eureka DUjijcr. — Tliis implement neds only a far trial to mak it popular. Qarihii Vc(jcii(hks. — A. II. W. thros out nu ideas which ar wel worth considering. Tliei' is som fore in his hmts, from both pecuniary and helth standjioints. Litier froui Iowa. — AV. B. S. seras quite elated with a kind ov Eden in that state. He bad beter go Kansas also ; we wud lik to her from al the Edens befor we emigrat. Essay on Poidtry Kaishig hy S. I'. E., con- tains valuable directions, altho we lind nothing strictly nu. It is a gud comon sens articl. Improving Farm Ciops. — A. B. K. sems to be wel stored with progresiv ideas, but it wil tak a gud deal ov iionnding to mak any im- presion upon the majority ov farmers. The Dairy SHwilion, by J. II. li., is one ov the best articls on this subject that we bav Sen. It is both a grat pity and a grat los that the dairy ov the farm is mad so nuich ov a sid bisnes. What an amount ov incrosed weltli wud be aded to this country, if al the dairy products wer tirst-clas, but even that (acording to Jlr. K.) wud be superseded l)y the general adoption of the creamery system from the incresed production. titate MiUers'' Astincintion. — This is a sensi- ble mov. . Tha ned protection as wel as other caliugs. We hop tha wil form a seal ov ju'ices, so as not to pay as much to one groer for diet, rye or cockle as another for whet. ProrediiKis or the Ay. and Ilort. SocUly. — Tlies monthly metings always have somthing ov interest. Consumers as wel as producers ar interested iu the condition ov crops. II. !M. E.'s essay on cuting gras for ha, sems not altogether orthodox, but we hardly no now-a- days what to lix ui)on that wil not be ui)set next da. Nothing but acurato tests wil de- cide, but we ougt to no for certan. Wheat cultivation sems to absorb much ov the bisnes ov tlies inelings, but it is ov vast importance, to us at least. I'obacco Groiccrs'' Ilectiwj. — This interest sems to lag. Put yur sholders to the whel, boys, keep the quids flying, and rais as much sniok as posible, even if you can't kep up the lir. Ike-Keepers'' Meetiny. — This is a bisnes that mit be extended indetinitly, and pa som wel. Linmran Sariety. — We fel alwas to put iu a gud word for this societe for its disinterested labors iu behalf ov progres. Corn Growing. — This luks wel on paper. Ifiiw to Plow. — Mor truth than flctiou in this articl. Pop Corn. — Don't al embark in this bisnes at wons. The prolits ar tii gnd to last long. Cantcloupes — We hop the advic from the Germanlown Telegraph wil be heded. It wud prevent the eting ov so many stal wons. How to Make. Trees Fruit Early. — If the. Vineyard Gazelle is li-vel its advic is worth trying. IIu wud not hav the erliest fruts. Hints 1(1 Horse On^ners. — Her is gud comon sens advis. If tlies directions wer folowed we wild not her ov so many runaways and los ov lif. — Von llumboU. THE TOMATO. iljifrupci Hicum e.scMfi'n'unu) Also called in our boyhood the " I^ove Apple" and the '•.lerusalein Apple," although not a native plant, has become .so perfectly ac- clinialed and domesticated that it now con- stitutes the most universal vegetalile produc- tion of the country, and is the chief ingredi- ent in a very large number of our most healthful culinary preparations. If it be true that no evening sun ever sets upon the Kng- lish possessions, but that "her morning dnnn lieats the whole day," wo may say the same iu regard to the domestic sta- tus of the To- mato, for there is now no sin- gle moment within theyear that we cannot have this vege- taljle in one or more of its va- rious f o r m s. Many an ob- ject of almost intinitely less ilomestic merit has b e c o m e dcilic(l, but the Tomato is con- tent to occupy the hearts, the iffections and die stomachs if civilization; I n d that is glory enough for any one fruit or vege- table in tlie kingdom of na- ture. Theri' is no canned fruit iir vegetable hat has be- come more uni- versal iu its use or retains its integrity eiiual to the tomato, and many future generations will rise up and call it blessed. The generic name of the Tomato has a very fanciful origin. It is derived from two Greek terms, which mean a wolf and a pearh, hence a " wolf- peach," but what relation these have to each other would be very diflicult to explain ; but, like the Irishman, who "didn't care what he was called so he wasn't called too late to din- ner," the Tomato can now atlbrd to be called by any name so we only have plenty of them. Its specitic name is derived from its edible qualities, but lilly years ago we knew very lit- tle alxnit these (pialities, for we well remember when it was cultivated as an ornamental pot plant, under the name of "Love Apple," aud was generally regarded as poisonous. But time has wrought a great change in its economical status, as it has done, and will continue to do, in many other things. Origi- nallj" it was inchuh-d in the genus solanum, to which the common potato, the deadly " night- shade," the " Jerusalem cherry," the " Bit- tersweet," the " horse-nettle," the "Apple of Sodom " and the " egg-plant " belong, hut now it stands solitary and alone in its own genus. I'erhaps from the known prnsonmis ijwdities of .some of these plants, the Tomato was judged by the character of the company it was in, which is about the test of human judgment in many things it is profoundly igninant of at the present day. The Tomato in a native of the tropical re- gions of South America, but as it is so .simple in its culture, and thrives so well, we may consider it naturalized in the temperate re- gions of our country, ami it has become a leading article in our tiuck-gardi'iiing. Eng- land, it appears, did not take to its culture iw energetically nor as extensively as the United States and the continent of Europe. Some of the varieties of the Tomato — of which there are many — dilTer so widely from the original type, that they might Iw ranked as dilVerent species. For THK l.ANrAHTKH r'AIlMFll. RAMBLING THOUGHTS STRUNG TO- GETHER. Croakings. When the farmer examines the i>rices liis prodiK'ts bring in the market to-day, it must certainly give him .some concern as to what this state of things will lead. The best wheat is (pioted SI. 09 to SI. 15 per bushel ; corn, 4.") ; rye, li."i ; oats, 'Jit ; lard, 0 to 7 cts. ; ham, S to 10 for smoked, and 7 to 8 for pickled ; eggs, 12 to 14 ; and in addition to these low prices is the "dull," showing that even at such low flgures, buyers do not care to take hold, either expecting that (irices will be still lower, or they have not enough call for anything in these lines to warrant them in laying in a stock. To the man that bought a farm only a few years ago and could not pay the whole of it then or since, the view must be exceedingly discouraging, for while the labor that he em- ploys may lie hired for much less than for- merly, the interest still remains the same in amount and doubly oppressive. The running into debt often brings on evils, for though it may be legitimate in itself, yet it must be re- meinbereil that " the borrower is the servant of the lender," and a very hard master Mr. Debt is often found to be. What Must be Done. All of us who would now be successful must look closely that no needless expenses are in- curred, aud lop off all such as are not needed to car/y on business or necessary to our well- being. That this is being done very gener- ally,"l very well know to bo the case, but I have seen a few iiLstances in which it was overdone or misdone in stopping newspapere and agricultural papers. I will admit a far- mer may get along and make money, and take no iiaper at all, but the question is as to whether he might not have made more had he taken a few papers. Argument Against Taking Papers. Only the other day I heard a novel argu- ment against taking an agricultural paper any longer, .somewhat in the following style : " Yim see, when I tirst commenced taking the paper there were a great many things mentioned in it and hints given that were new to me ; of course, some of the subjects treated I knew myself, but there were really a great many helps and facts mentioned that I would harilly have thought of myself, init it .seems to me tiiat the paper is not as good now as it was when I flrst took it, for some of the same subjects are gone over that had been in before, aiid I do not find as many new hints as I did at first. The man who made u.sc of the aliove argu- ment is intelligent and quick of comprehen- sion, and yet he makes use of a weak argu- ment. In the flrst place, he should have remembered that any paper worth taking is all the time getting new readers, to whom the things he considers old are new, and that the very things he considered new were old to maiiy other fellow-readers ; and, in the second place, that the hints given from time to time strengthen and sharpen his iierceptions, so that many of the facts given in late numbers of the i)apcr would have been new and inter- esting but for tlie educational effects of what 88 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [June, lie had lieen reading ; and, lastlj^ many times a single hint or idea, not occupying one-fourtli of a column, or perhaps only a few lines, may be worth the subscription price for years to come. How It Must be Done. But to resume, the farmer must make each stroke count, do his work thoroughly, and raise the largest crops with the least expense possilile. In lessening the expense it must not be done V)y cultivating crops less than ))efore, but to make an increased amnuut oi culti\'ation bring a two-fold increase in the cro]JS. Let no land lie idle (or fallow), but make it work like his horses or himself, continuously. It is also advisable that as great a variety as possible be the ainv. This is not only be- cause if one product may be below the paying point another may be produced with profit, but most soils seem to improve under a variety in cultivation that would run out under the system that produces only one or two leading varieties. This is explaiued on the ground that crops take up the materials in the soil in ditlcrent in-oportions, that which is not needed very much by one crop is perhaps the very thing wanted by the succeeding crops. The want of rotation is shown in the west. "We read in the papers of the great fertility of the soil and the immense production. As I have never been " out west " to judge, the fertility of its soil will be admitted, but I say that their average production does not show it. Crops in Brag States. Ib 187.5 Illinois raised the enormous quan- tity of 280 million bushels of corn and yet the average was only 34.3 bushels per acre ; Iowa followed next in quantity with an average of .35 bushels ; in 1876 Illinois fell to 223 million bushels, with an average of only 25 bushels per acre; Iowa, though like in Illinois, more acres were put out, had also a marked decrease, and an average of but 30 bushels per acre. So it is with all other crops of these much vaunted States. It is not the enormous crops per acre that make the quantities, but the large extent of land under these crops. It may be that the virgin soil will bring 80 to 85 bushels of corn with little cultivation, and .'SO to 40 bushels of wheat, but tlie farmers there certainly have a knack of bringing them to below the average in a short time. And this crop, which ot all others delights in a fertile soil andplenty of sunshine, yields in the soutli only from 10 "to 17 bushels per acre, which a northern man would declare a total failure. Cotton and Profit. That all is not gold that glitters can lie seen in looking up the statistics of the once power- ful " king cotton." 1 thought still, and I sup- pose most northern people did the same, that cotton was one of the paying crops in the south, and for that reason in some sections did not engage in general agriculture; but the puli- lislied statistics knocked it all into "pie." The average yield in 1876 was only 190 pounds per acre ; that of 1875, the largest yield since the war to that time, was only 108 pounds ; while the yield of 1874 was less than 160 poimds. The money value. In 1875 the amount of money realized per acre was an average of .$25.26 ; in 1870, 1 think it was somewhat less than SIO.OO per acre. As long as cotton ranged from 20 to 40 cents per jiound there was of course some money in it, Init when it sunk below 12 and 14 cents per pound the profit w'ould not have satisfied a Lancas- ter county farmer, the average profit being but little over one dollar per acre in 1876. Probably our thoroughgoing farmers of the north here would make a better showing than this, for this crop has been known to produce over 900 pounds to the acre, and I have no doubt if the right class take hold of it the yield will be in the neighborhood of 500 to COO potmds per acre. This would no doubt leave a hanclsome profit. New Productions. The raising of a greater variety of crops must be accomplished in many instances by raising such as lifive not usually been raised before, at least in the neighborhood, and sometimes not in that part of the world. In no case should any extensive o]ierations be commenced liy a novice, as the result in nine cases out of ten would be a failure, and per- haps financially ruin the individual. The raising of sugar beets for making sugar has often been recommended as a sure and paying business, and I thought myself that it was an industry that was unaccountably ne- glected. The cost of the machinery stands in the way of general inti'oduction, being as high as one hundred and si.xty thousand dollars, (■'ffl60,000) and the process very intricate. The amount of beets raised from an acre, when intended for sugar is also comparatively small, being given by the Amermm Agricul- turist at only eight tons per acre, the 40 ton crops being worthless for sugar, and good only for feeding stock. Not understanding all the details is in nearly all cases the direct cause of failure, and this was one of the causes for the decline in raising sorghum. Where the parties have become initiated into the process, the raising of this crop has become profitable, and I have no doubt it may, in time, be raised again in considerable quantities in these parts. There are many other products which can be raised in diflerent parts of the United States, and most probably will be, among which are the following : The tea plant, olive and fig plant for lower part of Virginia and south. Jute for moist Southern States ; vanilla in Florida ; rape seed (for oil) in the north. The castor bean is considerably cultivated in Missouri, and is probably profitable. These are comparatively new industries, and it remains to be seen as to their profitableness. The conservative farmer will, of course, not need advice, for if he makes any experiments it will be on crops that have been raised more or less ; and this is the best course, for all new manias ruin more people than they bene- fit, and it is only after the mania has passed away that solid profit comes in. — A. B. K. For The Lancaster Farmer, AROUND THE FARM.— No. 9. There was once a Turk who on his death- bed provided for the construction of a fountain, on the sides of which was carved a request for the prayers of all that should drink of it. This was a good idea ; if it did not benefit him it benefited posterity. We are, as a ride, not fully alive to the importance of having a plentiful sup))ly of good water. Every farm- yard should have its penstock of running water, accesibleat all times to man and beast. By the hj'draulic ram water can be raised to places on hills. Cisterns can also be con- structed to take the water ofl' the roofs of farm buildings. According to an authority, a roof 10 feet square will give 70 barrels a year; one 30 by 40 gives 864 barrels a year, or more than two barrels a day, allowing the rainfiiU in this latitude to be 36 inches. Where springs are not in reach water may ))e raised by windmills, but whatever the means used, water should be supplied to the farm, and that abundantly. While driving through the country, a few days ago, in passing the residence of Mr. Fred. Frey, near C'reswell, I noticed that he has provided a drinking trougli along the roadside for horses, and judging by the numerous tracks iu the road it is liberally patronized, and many a poor, thirsty horse, through the kindness and liberality of Mr. Frey, gets a drink there who would otherwise have to suffer thirst. Could we not have more such ptdjlic-spirited citizens that would erect drinking troughs along the road.side where there is running water ? Potato Beetles. , "What is the reason you have no potato bugs, while I have so many ?" asked a neigh- bor the other day. "It is a mystery to me as well as you," I replied. "We expected a plentiful supply, because we had potatoes in the same lot last year, and we inferred that sufficient beetles hibernated to produce a numerous progeny this spring." But the fact is, we had less bugs this year than any previous one since thej' are among us. Our potatoes are nearly a foot high and are yet clean. I cannot account for it, unless fall plowing did the business. I put manure on and plowed down in November, and left lay until planting time, when I plowed again. Perhaps the beetles were frozen during the winter. Can not our excellent editor and scientist give us some light on the suljject from the above facts V — Buralist, Creswcll, Pa.,. Tune -2, 1878. LANCASTER COUNTY TOBACCO. The Crop of Last Year — Its Extent and Value- Prospects of the 1878 Plant. At the close of the iiurchasing season and the opening of the yearly plant the statistician posts his books and reviews the extent and value of the last year's croj) of tobacco in this covmty with a view to calculate ujion the future imjiortance of this element of our agri- cultural industry. Prophets of evil never tire of telling the farmers hereabouts that, in the long run, tobacco raising is certain to be an injury, and that its deleterious effects upon the land will eventually far exceed the tempo- rary profits from its cultivation. Victor E. Piollet, the great Bradford farmer and a leading memljcr of the order of Grangers, pours this into the ears of Lancas- ter county farmers whenever he meets or ad- dresses them, and even a small number of our home farmers are influenced by such considerations, and one of our most intelli- gent and progressive agricidturists positively refuses to allow a stalk of toljacco to be grown on his premises. They point to the desolate J and waste plantations of "ole Virginny" in I demonstration of their theory ; but they for- get the marked difference between the thrifty system of farming in vogue here and the thriftlessuess which marked the operations in the Old Dominion years ago. With the farm- ers in Lancaster county tlie rule is to put as much back on the soil as is taken off, and for this return they have found Jiothing so good as barnyard manure. Accoi-dingly the feed- ing of stock cattle has been greatly increased in this section of late years, and in considera- tion of the more highly appreciated services of the barnyard manure farmers have been satisfied with less direct returns from tlieir stock-feeding operations. By the liberal use of this fertilizer the exhaustion of the soil caused by the culture of tobacco has been effectually counteracted, and by its profuse application lands planted year after year in tobacco show the same steady improvement as other jiarts of the farm. Occasionally, when a field is seen to have had an overdose of the "weed," there is a rotation of crops, and a year in wheat followed by a crop in clover restores it to its original condition. So far as this apprehension of exhausted lands goes it will be many days before the Lancaster county farmers abancjon the cultivation of tobacco. With regard to the value of the crop of last year and its relation to that of succeeding years, it is estimated that the total amount was about 40,000 cases of 400 pounds each — 16.000,000 pounds — which, at an average of fifteen cents, would represent »2,400,000, a very material interest. Of these 40,000 cases at least 34,000 cases have already been bought up, and, with the exception of proliably 1,000 cases shipped by jobbers, are now lying in the various warehouses in this city. There are lirobably 5,000 or 6,000 cases of the crop of 1877 in the hands of the growers, by whom it has been cased, and most of which will be held over by them. Of the crojis of former years there are not more than 100 cases in the hands of parties here, and probably 5,000 cases iu the hands of the buyers. In quality the crop of 1877 was of lighter weight to the acre than usual, .averaging about 1,500 pounds, but in quality, though decried at first, is conceded to be al- 187R.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 89 most equal to that of 1B7.'!, wliidi was tlie best ever juit into tlic market by I.Miicastei- county. Tlie 1S77 crop soM at all prices, varying from li and (j to S and :2rp, and some choice lots as hii^li as 31), but a fair average vv'Onld prol)ably be T) and "Jd, that is one pound of tillers at ."> and two of wrappers at L'lt, an average of l'> cents. On tin: estimates lierein made tlie acreage of hist year would ligiire at about 10,00(1, and there is no i)robability that the iilant of 1878 will Ije les.s. The average jiroduct of $-J2o per acre repre.sents an outlay of not more than !irl2."), counting all expenses, and until tlat average l,:incasler county farmer is shown how he can realize more than §10(1 per acre net |irolit from lanil worth IgiiOd, he is uot likely to l.'l his hold slij) on the good thiug he now has of it. IJut ;dl the far-sighted of our tobacco growers have begun to realize that it is iu the careful atten- tion to the crop, in iilantiiig, raising, cutting and curing, that the chief scuirce of prolit lies, ratlier than in tlie extent of acreage, and, if their (-ounsels prevail an improvement in these respects rather than an increase iu the extent of the plant will be the disliuguishing feature of the tobaeco-growiugiudustry here for years to come. When $-iW to 5f">0(l can be realized from an acre by increased attention, and a comparatively slight outlay over that recpured fora $-J.")0 product, true econouiy will suggest more caretul attention to tlie quality. Thi^ young jdants are now fieing set out, and with favorable temperature following prolonged moistening of the ground they will get a lair start ; lait the few recent days of compara- tively cool weather have been unfavorable to the setting out of plants and untoward to the growtli of those already in the ground, many of which have hail to be replanted. The industry of cigar-making is on the in- crease througliout this city and county, and the annual product is now about 50,000,000. In these much of our local tobacco -is used, and an article made of Havana filler and Lanca.ster wrapper is manufactured here that sells for fivm .^(iO to .•S70 per 1,(J00; but most of the cigars made here are of low grades, running from .S13 to iSiO, and of these a large number are shiiiped to St. Louis. 'NVIiether our patrons oppose or favor tobacco growing, the weed itself is too conspicuous a factor in the agricultural productions of Lan- caster county to be in any vvise ignored. Therefore, as a mere niatter'of information on the subject, tlie above resiune from the Phila- deli>hia Jicford, may be of interest to readers of any and every grade. If it is a "good tiling," then every farmer ought to know it, in (mler that he may iiartieipate in itsbeiielits. If it is an "evil thing," then he ought to know something of its magnitude, in order to measure his streiigtli properly against it. Until it becomes contraband of law we must let people do'as they plea.se in cultivating it. Its s(a(i(.s, therefore, is interesting as a mere matter of h-nmclahje, and knowledge on any subject is always an clement of power. A SIMPLE REFRIGERATOR. A correspondent of an exchange writes : I performed a simple cxiieriineiit a few days ago, and when explained the public will jnoperly aiipreciate it. I procured an air- tight barrel and ]nit a cake of ice into it ; also about a quart of salt. On this ice and salt I put a tin bucket tw'o-thirds full of lukewarm water. I then covered tlie barrel with a blanket folded two or tliree times and a sack half tilled with sawdust ; this covering made the barrel air-tight. !My object was to fieeze the air inside the barrel. The salt melting the ice took the heat from the air. Ice can- not melt without heat. Salt has a great atVmity for water, and attacks or forces the ice to melt. A solid cannot become a licjuid, nor a liquid a gas, without heat — for instance, water cannot become steam without heat. The ice melting took heat from the air inside the barrel, which took the heat from the lukc- waiTD water, it giving otf the heat to equalize the temperature in the barrel. The water became frozen or formed ice by giving away heat to melt the ice. Tlius, you see, ice was turned into water, and water (in the tin bucket) into ice. Wlial 1 wanted to get at was a cheap and simple refrigerator. Every one coidd make or have a relVigerator of this kind. A small (piantity of ice and salt would freeze an air-tight room full of air, but it would take a room full of iceand salt to freeze a room ftdl of water. Any one can put a box in a box and surround it on all sides witli saw- dust and cover it over as I did. The other points to walcli are only two, viz. : To keep air out and jireserve temperature, and by freezing the air inside the box, barrel or chamber, the latent heat of all ol)jcc(s inside of thes(^ chambers is given off, and they in turn become frozen. This idea ol' principle could be aii|ilied to a box, house or barn, or carried to any magnitude. Kefrigeraling cars, slaughter-houses, etc., could be con- ducted on this plan, and in fact by adding salt and ice enough any temperature could be awpiired, and all arti(des at any .--eason, insince with them. Scarcely a scientific exchange reaches us that does not 90 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ Juue, contain the nnnouncenient of some such a fact, and the details of the (irocess by which the result may be reached. Here, for example, before us, in the current numljer of the Eriw Industricl we have a description of the method by whicli the straw is extracted from manure heaps, to be subsequently utilized (after clean- iug and drying) as a clieap bedding for horses and cattle, packing for glass, crockery, etc., but more especially for paper pulp, to which it is said to be peculiarly adapted ; since, saturated with urine and allowed to ferment, ammonia is evolved, which aids in separating the fibers, and reduces the need of using stronger and costlier alkalies to a minimum. After extracting the stitiw the remaining manure is sold for the usual purposes. The simple machinery for doing all this is an in- vention of an American resident of Paris. Much of the false hair worn by the fair sex of Europe and America is derived from sources that would make the wearers stand aghast were they to learn the facts. From a late report on the connuerce of Swatow (Cliina) we learn that a large ex|)ort trade of hair, gathered in the stalls of Ijarbers, sprang up in 1873, during which year Ul piculs (18,S0i) pounds) worth 2,904 taels (84,300), were shijjped to Europe. In 1875 the exports of this refuse rose to 1,000 piculs, with a value of over $25,000, cer- tainly a remarkable industry to be created at such a distant point to supply the demands of a caprice of fashion. To chemistry modern pe)-fumery is perhaps more indebted than any art that ministers to tlie luxury of life. It is commonly supposed that all lloral essences are the product of dis- tillation ; nothing could be a greater mistake ; nearly every perfume of the toilet bottle or sachet of the muchoir case is the product of waste matters— some of them odorless, others most intensely nauseous and disgusting. Many a fair maiden damps .her brow with the "Extract of Millefleurs," innocent of the knowledge that its essential ingredient is de- rived from the drainage of the cowhouse. The perfumed toilet soap is scented and con- fecti onery tlavored with oil of bitter almonds artificially prepared by the action of nitric acid on the fetid oil of gas-tar. The pure "fruit sirups" of some of tlie soda water ven- ders are made from factitious oils that chem- ists h avB learned h iw 1 o produce. Singularly ■ enough, too, the latter are usually derived from Substances of disgusliug odor. The oil of pineapples is obtauied from a product of the action of i)utrid cheese on sugar, or by making a soap with l)utter and distilling it with alcohol and sulphuric acid. The peculiar fetid substance called "fusel oil" serves as a base for several artificial flavors ; thus, dis- tilled witli sulphuric acid and acetate of pot- ash, it gives oil of pears; with sulphuric acid and bicln-omate of potash the product is oil of apples. And so, too, by other means known to the chemist, refuse corks are made to yield essence of midberries, tallow to put forth essence of melons, and the wood of the wil- low tree to partwitli oil of wintergreenundis- tinguishable from the genuine article. The fact, well known to the schoolboy, that by the action of sulphuric acid on starch, sawdust, woody fiber, etc., a saccharine substance called "glucose," or grape sugar, is produced, has not by any means been lost sight of in this country, notwithstanding the low price of cane sugar. Extensive works for the manu- facture of this article are located in one of the largest cities of the western part of the State, and almost every day one or two car loads arrive, occasionally consigned to Europe, but oftener to the various brewers of the city and vicinity, and to extensive dealers in molasses. All these matters show a direct application of science to an industrial purjwse, and imply a knowledge of the deepest investigation into organic chemistry. One of the most singular discoveries in the history of agricultural chemistry is due wholly to the French. Sheep draw from the land oil which they graze a large quantity of potash, which is eventually excreted from the skin along with the sweat. It was shown by Chevreul that this peculiar potash compound ("suint") forms at least one-third of the weight of raw merino wool ; while it consti- tutes about 15 per cent, of tlie weight of the fresh rteece. As it is easy to extract the "suint" by mere immersion in water, the wool manufacturers can readily produce more or less concentrated solutions, from which the potash may be recovered by ai)propriate treatment. The development of this new in- dustry is principally due to MM. Manmne and Rogelet, whose process, in operation at most of the great .seats of wool manufacture, is very simple. They evaporate the solutions to dryness, and place the residuum in retorts, and distill it very much the same as coal is distilled at gas works. The result is that while much gas is evolved which can be used for lighting the factory, and much ammonia is expelled which can be collected and used in many ways, there remains a product consist- ing of carbonate, sulphate and chloride of potassium. Tbese salts are separated by the usual method and pass into connuerce. While on the subject of animal refuse, we refer to the manner in which certain dead animals are utilized in France. Every portion of a dead dog, for instance, is converted to some use ; it is boiled down for the fat, the skin is sold to glovers and the bones go to make super- phosphate. In Paris the carcass of a horse is worth more than elsewhere, inasmuch as the working classes eat the best portions of the flesh. Their hair is a well-known refuse used by the upholsterer ; the hide goes to the tan- ner to make thick leather for bank ledgers, etc., the intestines make coarse gut-strings, wheel bands and lathes ; the fat, wliich from a well-conditioned horse amounts to GO tt>s., finds a ready market ; tlie hoofs are used either by turners or makers of Prussian blue, and the bones go to manufacturers of ivory black and to turners. Even the jjutrid flesh is allowed to breed maggots, which are sold as food to fatten fowls. The final residue is used by rat catchers to trap tlieir prey, and the skin of the captured rat finds a ready sale among furriers on account of its delicate fur. A statement that has frequently gone the rounds of the papers to the elfect, that most of the "kid" gloves of commerce arc made from the skin of this rodent is probalily untrue, since its siliall size would preclude its use for anything but gloves for children. The great meat packing establishments of the West aflbrd examples of the extreme re- finement to which the utilization of by-pro- ducts may be carried. Not a scrap of the slaughtered animal is wasted. Every portion fit for food (even to the heart and liver) is pickled and packed, and most, if not all, of it exported to Europe. The fat, hoofs, horns, hides, tails, hair and bones find re.ady .=ale in the market, for various purposes in the indus- trial arts ; and the final products usually reach us in the form of dried blood and bone- black, for the use of the sugar refiner and the agriculturist. Until within comparatively a recent period it had become a serious question as to what use should be made of the slag which is pro- duced in such quantities during the smelting of iron ore ; human ingenuity at length solved the problem, and produced from this intractable material a white flocculent substance, known as "mineral wool," which at once found numer- ous applications in the arts. Within the last tew yeai's no industry, perhaps, has made greater strides than that of paper making, both as regards the material of its manufac- ture and the aiiplications of the jiroduct. Paper wheels for railway cars, paper chimney- pots for dwelling houses, and paper plates and teacups for temporary use for travelers, must suffice as illustrations. Of course it would be imjiossible within the limits of so short an article to refer t6 any more than a few of the more prominent ex- amples of the use of refuse. We have inten- tionally omitted very many ; but the few that we have given will serve the purpose we have in view of showing to how great an extent civilization is adding to the useful products of the world, both by economizing its resources and calling forth new ones by the aid of chemistry. — Scientific American. [In addition to the above use of the slag or scoria of iron furnaces we read an article, some years ago, that in England the experi- ment "had been made of running it into hot moulds of various forms, and used as building blocks, especially in the form of lintels, sills, mantles, cornices, corner-blocks, column cap- pings of the difl'erent architectural orders, m arched window and door headings, chimneys, ^ and various other uses, where they are not exposed to flre heat. The first attempts were failures, inasmuch as the slag had been run into cold moulds and became too porous. Subsequently hot moulds were substituted, which was said to be a success, as the articles came out of the moulds as solid as glass. We have not seen anything recently on the sub- ject ; perhaps the substance is too soft and lirittle to stand the test of wear and tear, as was the case with those introduced from a neighboring county as paving tiles, and which, so far as our observation extends, are far in- ferior to common brick ; but for other inside purposes this material may be eventually utilized. — Ed.] ■ OwixG to unforeseen ci)lyiug to a few western counties, was the same in substance as that of 1700, but making the height 41^ instead of .5 feet, and fixing the space between the rails at five inches. The repeal of these two acts, and the restoration of the common law, is all that can reasonably be asked for of the Legisla- ture. That would require owners only to fence in their own cattle, and not to fence out those of their neighbors. This is now the rule in several other States. The time may come when it will be possible to have all fences removed, and have cattle kept within still closer bounds. The committee therefore recommended the repeal of the laws of 170U and 17X4, so that the common law as stated shall take eft'ect. This report was adopted by the board. Secretary Edge stated that the value of fences in this State amounted to over $79,000,000, and that it requires a dollar's worth of fence to keep a dollar's worth of stock in place. Easburu Reeder, member of the board from Bucks, reaii a paper on the cost of making butter per pound. He stated that the Solebury Farmers' Club, of which he is a member, settled upon '^7 cents per pound for the whole year, but according to his calculation 'SO cents was about the proper amount. The estimate of Willis Hazard, of Chester county, however, made it :il cents. According to the report of the board,J the average price of producing butter in the whol^ State was 1.5;4^ cents in summer and 1^05;^ cents winter. Mr. Hazard said there is a profit gained ili the use of farms th.at is not taken into account. Ha contidered iV'r. Keeder's statement correct. The average product in Chester county is 152 pounds pen cow, at an average cost of 31 cents per year. JS78.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 9i All essay mi llio sulijcct, " IIciw tii Miiko tlip Most Kc'iiiiiimioal Aiiplic-iiliciii of lianij'ard Jlaiuire to 1 lops," preparcil liy Col. James Youug, of Daupliiii, \\ as nad by \V. (i. .Moore, of Berks. Several oilier reports ami essays were read diiriiii^ the session, and on Friilay nioriiiiii; (iovenior Ilart- taiift delivered a short, address. Tlie hoard ad- jiiiiriiedon Friday, after deeidinj^ upon Titusville, t'lawlord eouiity, as the plaec for lioldin;; the next luectiiii;'. OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural and Horticultural' Society. The .Ttine meetiiifr of the Laneaster County AjLjri- eultural and Horticultural Soeiety was held in the third-story of City Hall Monday afternoon, June :^d, 1S7S. President Calvin Cooper being absent, Henry M. Englc was called to tlie chair, and tbe Keeordinjr Secretary, Jas. F. Witnier, being absent, Johnson Miller was chosen Secretary pro tern. The readinif of tbe minutes of hist meeting was dispensed with. The followinir members were present: H. M. Engle, President })ro tfiit., Marietta ; Johnson Miller, Secretary pyo tern., Warwick; Levi W. Groft, Trea- surer, West Earl; Peter S. Heist, Litiz ; Levi S. Keist, Manheim ; C'. .M. Hostctter, Eden; Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy; John C. Linville, Salisbury; Eph. U. Hoover, .Manhcini ; John H. Landis, .Manor; Simon P. Eby, city ; Isaac Bushong, Upper Leaeock ; J. Frank Landis, East Lampeter; Henry Erb, .Man- beim twp. ; Abraham Hostctter, Manlieim ; E. C. Ernst, Litiz; Prof. S. S. Ratlivon, city; Jacob B. Garbcr, Columbia ; Elias Hersliey, Paradise ; Abra- ham L. Lehman, East Lampeter; Wm. MeComsey, city; C. L. Huusecker, Manheim ; Levi Scarlet, Sadsliury. Johnson Miller, of Warwick, from the committee on fertilization, reported that he had made arrange- ments to experiment during the coming season with a number of commercial fertilizers ; that he had written to a number of manufacturers for samples of their manufactures, and would in due time report the result of his experiments to the society. Simou P. Eby, esq., of the city, as a member of the committee to secure for the society a permanent place of meeting, reported that he had conferred with the Property Committee of Councils, and the committee was unwilling to rent to the society for more than a year tbe third-story room of City Hall, though they believed there would be no difficulty in the society securing the room for a number of years. Mr. Eby thought the society had better remain in the room now occupied than to rent the Hall of tbe Young Men's Christian Association, which had been kindly ofi'ered them at a rent of 82.5 per year. The City Hall room could be had for a mere nominal rent, and it would not cost more than §12 or $13 to paper it and put it in decent repair. He thought the question of renting a room should be acted on at the present meeting. On motion, the question was post- poned to be taken up again before adjournment. Crop Reports. Reports of tbe condition of the crops being called for, J. C. Linville, of Salisbury, reported the crops in his ueighborliood as all looking well, though the corn was somewhat backward, owing to the cold weather, and the wheat was somewhat rusted in the blades, but no serious daniaL'c was done ; the fly had shown itself in some localities but not much damage had been done. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, etc., had been somewhat cut down by the late frosts but were recovering and gaining strength. Clover was in bloom and almost ready to cut ; timothy is somewhat backward but healthy ; oats is doing well and the fruit crop will be average. Henry Kurtz, of .Mount Joy, reported tbe wheat as looking well, but has noticed in some fields a kind of rust on the head. He exhibited a few heads thus affected, and said he thouglit the mischief was done by some small insect. If the season from this time on remained dry he feared the wheat would shrivel, but if the weather remained moist the crop would be a very full one. He leiiorted tbe grass as being very heavy and rank, and almost ready tocut. Early planted corn looks yellow, on account of the cold, wet weather. Oats looks very fine ; rye very large and full, and tobacco reasonably well. Johnson Miller, of Warwick, reported a full crop of wheat, but the Fultz not as good as tbe Mediterra- nean ; a large crop of liay is assured ; young clover looks first-rate ; corn somewhat backward; tobacco mostly planted ; jiotatoes growing finely, and no potato bugs to complain of. Levi W. (Iroff, of West Earl, said that the rusted wheat beads shown by .Mr. Kurtz seemed to be well tilled and would not be, probably, much hurt ; iate rust does not generally do much damage to wheat. Mr. Groff stated further that a committee of four had visited bis farm lately to look at his cultivated wheat and, after examining it closely, had expressed themselves well pleased with his mode of cultivation. Gentlemen from Berks county who had seen it, had commended it in the Reading papers. John H. Eaiiilis, of Manor, reported the grass crop as being remarkably line ; haymaking will com- mence in a week or ten days ; clover is in blossom and very luxuriant; wheat looks encouraging ; pota- toes are growing lincly, and only a few bugs have thus far appeared ; corn is yellow in some places, caused probably by the cold, wet weather. The in- dications arc that there will be a full crop of almost everything. Ephraim Hoover ri>|iorted that in Manheim and East lleniplielil lownships t be crop of hay would be immense; the season is two weeks earlier than usual, and in some places the grass is already almost lit for cutting. Wheat in some fields looks brown, having been no doubt disetilored by tlii^ late frost, but he thougbl it was not much injured. Here and there a cornfield looked irregular and backward, the efl'cet no doubt of the late heavy frosts. t;herries will yield a light crop ; (leaches will be abundant according to present appearances; apples an average crop, and small fruits the same. C. .M. Hostctter, of Eden, reported the wheat and rye as very promising ; t lie grass the best he had ever seen, especially the young clover and herd grass ; apples a full crop ; peaches promising ; cher- ries scarce, except the sour varieties, which would yield a full crop ; potatoes thriving, though the bugs were numerous alumt Quarryville and some other scctitins. On the whole the prospect for good crops was never more promising than now. P. 8. Heist, of Manheim, corroborated the reports of general good crops of grain, grass and fruits ; beard of a stalk of rye that measured 8 feet 9 in- ches in height. Henry W . Engle, of Marietta, said the reports from all sections were favorable ; his own report would be a stereotype of the others ; there is a little rust in the wheat, but it is not serious. If the weather should contiue dry from this date till wheat harvest, the grain will, no doubt, be shriTeled ; if moist, the crop will be full and good ; the grass is excellent ; the corn rather slow, as is always the case with anything that is planted when the ground is wet and followed by a cold rain. Apjiles arc thinly set, peaches fair and cherries short. Mr. P. S. Reist then read a paper on " When is the best time to harvest wheat?" [See page 8.5 of this number of The Farmer. Henry Kurtz agreed with tbe essayist that wheat should be pretty ripe before being cut, but not too ripe . Johnson Miller thought the essay was to the point . He would recommend the sowing of two varieties of wheat that do not ripen at the same time — say the Fultz and the red Mediterranean. He moved a vote of thanks to the essayist. Carried. John C. Linville said it is the custom of Western farmers to cut their wheat greener than we cut it in the East. They generally cut their wheat before haymaking. Their wheat is of a brighter color than ours, but one objection to cutting it too green is that it will sprout in the shock if it gets wet. He thinks farmers might cut rather earlier than is their present custom. Henry M. Engle said a majority of the farmers hold with the essayist that if you want quantity and weight you must cut late ; but if (luality is what is wanted, then you must cut earlier. .Mr. Engle's opinion is that wheat should be cut when the grain has passed from a milky into a doughy state. If left stand until entirely ripe, it docs not grind so well ; the bran is rough and cannot be cleanly scjia- rated from the flour; the result is that though the wheat may have bad greater weight than it would have had if cut greener, it will not make any more flour nor of as good quality. The objection to early cutting is that the grain is apt to sprout in the shock. This is an objection and should be carefully guardeii against. For forty years he had practiced early cutting and had the grain to sprout only twice. When cut early the straw packs closer, and more can be got into the barn than when cut late. John C. Linville said that if the wheat was cut green it should be shocked for at least two or three days before hauling in. The shocks should be capped to prevent the rain from sprouting the grain. He did not believe in drying the straw in the swath or too rapidly. S. S. Rathvon then read a paper on "Local Fruit Nomenclature," which will be found on page 86 of this numtier of The Farmer. Henry .M. Engle endorsed the essay. He thought the society should have a committee on nomencla- ture, to which should be referred for a name all new and good varieties of fruits. By growing seedlings an immense number of new varieties of fruits are being obtained. .Many of these are worthless, and should be rejected. The National Society has al- ready thrown out many worthless names. This is right ; but no good variety should sutler neglect for want of a name. Already many Lancaster county apples are recorded in the books. Among them be named the All Summer, the Millport Sbeepnose and the Mellingcr. He has already several of his own seedling peaches in the catalogues. Prof. Hathvon's idea was a very good one, but let us not run into extremes and give names to v\-orthless varieties. On motion the chair appointed the following com- mittee on nomenclature : J. B. Garber, Columbia; Levi S. Kclst, Manheim ; Martin D. Kendig, Manor. Place of Meeting. On motion of John C, Linville, the society, after conslderabli' discussion, resolved to continue to hold its meetings In the third story of elly hall, and tlio eommitliM-, of which Simon P. Eby Is elialrinan, was authorized to have the room papered and put In proper condition for the use of the society. The thanks of the society were tendered to the Young .Men's Christian Association for the generoUH oll'er of their room as a meeting place for the society. Wheat Cultivation. Wm. MeComsey, whose business called him away from the meeling, left with the president the follow- iiiL' paper, which was read : By invltalioii of Mr. Grolf, .Mr. .lolin K. Heed and myself constituted ourselves a committee to visit his farm to see and judge for ourselves as to the advan- tages of the new method of cultivating wheat. We spent a very pleasant day, not only in the enjoyment of the beauty and loveliness of the country at this season of thi^ year, but alsfi through the kindness and generous hos|iitality of Mr. Grolf and his family. And our observations seemi'd to justify all we had heard in favor of the new iiicliiod. A look over Mr. Grotl's wheat ficMs was not only a pleasure but a rare sight. I have traveled through most of the wheat growing States and have never seen anywhere a finer crop ; and thought the advantages of the new method of its cultivation so apimrent that no better evidence could be rcquiretl than may there tie seen. The wheat was then, .May liHh, about three feet In height, perfectly uniform throughout, and, although tlu^ drills or rows are nearly a foot apart, completely covered the ground. While much of the wheat on other farms was very heavy ami somewhat lodg«d, Mr. Grotl's all stood perfectly straight, owing to its being much thicker and stronger in the straw. Mr. Grotf would no doubt have secured a good crop by the old method, but careful conii»atison with other wheat in the same neigliborhooil sceiiicu to warrant the ctm- clusion that cultivation by the new method will in- crease his average yield from^ve to ten bushels per acre. And It is believed that with a less favorable season the advantage would be still more apparent. When tliife subject was first di&cussed by this society it was thought that cultivating wheat in the spring would destroy the young grass. Experience has |irovcn the cimtrary. The grass appears to be eijually benefited. Mr. Grolf has a ten .icrc field of grass, timothy ami clover mixed, which Mr. Reed, himself an experienced farmer, pronounced the best he had ever seen, and gave as his opinion that It would make three tons of bay to the acre. The tiiiiolby was sown broadcast in the fall aftei seeding, ami the clover after cultivating the wheat in tln^ fol- lowing spring. Young clover sown after finishing the cultivation of the wheat — less than three weeks previous to our visit — presented the most healthy and promising a]ipearance of any I ever saw ; and I feel confident that sowing the seed on soil thus pre- pared will jirove to be an eflcctlve remedy against failure in this respect. John C. Linville said that if the timothy was sown broadcast in the fall, as above stated, "much of it must have been tfirn out by the cultivation of the wheat in the spring; so whatever timothy there is left must be iirlneipally in the rows of wheat, while the clover sown in the spring must be principally be- tween the rows. Levi Scarlet, who had visited Mr. GrofTs farm, in company with Or. (iibbons, and had been shown through two fields of the eullivated wheat, said he found it decidedly better than the uncullivaled wheat in adjoining fields. The stalks were stouter and stronger than the others, and averageil live and a hall" feet In height and unusually well headed. There were two varielies under cultivation, the Amber and the Clawson. The young grass growing in the wheat looked very fine. The cultivation had not • destroyed the timothy, as Mr. Linville suggested it would do. He believed .Mr. Groll's system of cultiva- tion to be an excellent one. Levi W. {irolT extended a general invitation to the members of the society to visit his farm and take .1 look at his wheat before it was cut. He hfiped the chair would appoint a committee tit examine and re- port. He could not tell just w lieii the wheat would be ready to cut, but he thought it would be ready in three weeks. He would name the tlay liiTeaflcr. He would be obliged to members who iiilciideil to come and see him if they would drop him a postal card announcing the fact, so that he might know how many to provide for. The chair apiHiinted the following committee: ('alvin Cooper, .\1 . 1). Kcn.lig, .losipli F. Wltmer, II. M. Engle, Johnson .Miller, C. M. Hostctter, Levi S. Heist. Business for Next Meeting. The following arc the subjects to be considered at next meeting : "Cultivating and marketing vegetables." For general disctission. "Crop Fertilization" — Essay by Jacob Stauffer. Testing Fruits. The only fruits on cxliibitiou were tbree varieties 92 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [June, of strawberries presented by Henry M. Engle, all of which were very fine. Tbey were Crescent Seedling, the Charles Downing and the Jucunda. On motion, adjourned. MAY MEETING FULTON FARMERS' CLUB. The May nieetinsf of the Fulton Farmers' Club was held at the residence of Day Wood, Fulton town- ship, on the 4th instant. Visitors present bv invita- tion— Isaac Bradley, Amos K. Bradley, William Shoemaker and Granville B. Wood, M. D. The President, Joseph R. Blackburn, being absent, E. Henry Haines was called to the chair. The minutes of last meeting were read and approved. No agricultural or horticultural specimens were ex- hibited. The question, "Is the cultivation of broom- corn profitable?" was asked by S.L.Gregg. The members all thought that in late years corn would be more profitable, though several of them raised enough for their own use. Josiah Brown asked if this \\ouId be the proper time to sell A-heat? Nearly all thought it would be better to sell than to hold on to it. E. H. Haines said that you could decide the matter as easily by pitching pennies as by any other way. A few years ago he had gone to the trouble of examining the New York market reports for years back, anil had found that the best time for selling wheat had gen- erally been in September, and February for corn. G.B.Wood asked— What is the proper time for BOwing Hungarian grass ? Answer— As early as possible after the corn is planted, though it will do well as late as the 1st of June. Late sbwing, how- ever, is apt to make the harvesting of it come in bad weather. Cut it, when the stalk begins to get yel- low, after the seed is shaped. Josiah Brown : Would it not be better to cut grass earlier than we usually do? Amos K. Bradley : It is better to cut young for quality, but the quantity is increased by 'letting it stand. Isaac Bradley : The^iay is better if you succeed in getting it well made, but it is more difficult to make. Wm. King: If hay is cut for sale, the weight of it will be much increased by letting it stand until it is ripe. Wm. P. Haines ailded : And accoi-ding t6 city ideas such hay is preferable. C. Sumner Gatchell has been cutting clover when one-third of the heads are dead, but thinks of cutting earlier hereafter . He would cut timothy just before the pollen comes off. Josiah Brown had long thought that grass had been left too long before cutting, and spoke of the practice of an old farmer in the neighborhood, who died a few years ago, which was to CAit belbre any of his neighbors. This man was said to have fed his horses very little grain, but they were always in good condition. Day Wood asked if it was profitable to raise sugar cane? Only one present thought so, and he did not raise it. Dinner and Inspecting the Host's Farm. After partaking of a good, substantial dinner, the club, as usual, viewed the live slock and farming operations of the host. After reassembling in the house the nice condition of the fine herd of dairy cows, young cattle, sheep and hogs, were spoken of by nearly all present. The host is a successful breeder of Poland China hogs, and it was noticed that the quality of even this thoroughbred stock had been much improved since the club had last met at the place. An article from the Country Oentleman, on the early cutting of grass, was next read by the host, statmg that hay from such grass was worth from four to five per cent, more than when made from grass cut when over ripe — such hay being but little I better than straw. This revived the hay question again, and Dr. G. B. Wood asked if it would be advisable to procure hay- tedders? No one present had any experience with them. Several had heard very favorable reports about them, but the general opinion was that the cost of them would overbalance the advantages with ordinary farmers. The question— Has the fertility of the farms in this section been decreasing during the last fifteen years ? — was then taken up. Win. King thought that if we go no further back than HIteen years we must answer that the fertility of our soils was increasing. For a period previous to that time he thought the productiveness of our farms was not so great as formerly. The land had first been enriched exclusively by the use of lime, and farmers had come to the con- elusion that it was all sufficient to keep them up. This was a mistake. Now other fertilizers were being used in connection with it, and the land wag be- coming more productive. S. L. Gregg did not think the land less productive than formerly. The seasons for the last five years had not been very good, and as a general thing less hay and straw was raised. With him the lime busi- ness was about played out. Wm. P. Haines d"id not think the land better than it was'fifteen years ago. The land about here was all made up with lime. Fifty years ago his farm was poor, but lime has brought it to its present state. When farmers made more use of lime they did not break up as they now do. C. S. Gatchel knew of some farms that had been brought up with lime," and although lime was still applied to them they were going down, which was evidence that a change of fertilizers was needed. Isaac Bradley did not think the land is getting any poorer. For several years there was less rainfall, the streams were low, and vegetation affected there- by. Last year it was better; the steams were full and crops better. Dr. G. B. Wood thought the volume of water in Conowingo creek still much less than formerly. There is more clear land, and consequently more evaporation. He cited the experiment of John I. Carter on the Experimental Farm, with 200 bushels of lime per acre. It showed a decided advantage, but did not pay. Josiah Brown thought the land as good as former- ly, if not better. The reason why as good crops were not raised was owing to the season. Had been on the farm whei-e he now resides for twenty years, and can raise as good corn as ever, but not as good grass. Has been keeping his place up with lime until within a few years, when it did not seem to be doing as much good as formeiiy ; has been trying other fertilizers since. After some other miscellaneous business the club adjourned to meet at the residence of E. Henry Haines, Fulton township, at the usual time. REMINDERS FOR JUNE. General Suggestions.— Now that strawberries — the most delicious of summer iruits — are coming in, we may be excused for making much of them. Attend to the beds closely, and keep the plants fresh and vigorous, and your daily pickings of the luscious berry will be generous. Put the fruit on the table unhullcd, and eat them with the fingers, or make them into a lily with rice. Put the largest and sweetest currants upon the table on stems. Stew them also with sweet dried apples. Have an abun- dance of the best cherries ; if possible, enough for yourselves, the birds and the children. Teach the latter not to eat I'ruit between meals, and set them the example. Can berries of all sorts, or dry them, and save the juices of all these fruits, too. See to the children, their work and play, that all things may be conducive to good. The garden abounds with object lessons. Make them to "under- stand, as far as practicable, whatever they do. Teach them to see and know weeds, and to pull them ; but don't overwork them. That will be the principal work for the garden this month. Put in an abundance of sweet corn for eating green. Where it fails, put in beans, also beans for the main crop (in abundance), more Limas iwd.,white wax. In the house, so plan your supplies That you will have as little as possible in the meal-room to keep through the hot, sultry month. It is a good plan in gardening to label everything when planted, and aiso put it down in a blank-book, so that if labels are lost, the kinds can be identified. This book should also record dates and experiments, and therefore be of much value. Watch for currant worms, squash bugs, etc., and destroy the flies and eggs on the leaves before they are hatched. Care- fully put all weeds and garbage into compost heaps and cover with earth. See "How to Raise Fruits " for directions. Price only %\. Asparagus beds keep clean. Beans, Bush or Bunch, plant for succession, and cultivate those in growth. Beets, thin the later planting. Broccoli, plant out those sown in April. Cabbage ditto, es- pecially the sorts which it is desired shall come into u.se in September and October, in advance of the winter varieties. Celery, plant out a portion for early use. Cucumbers, sow successive crops. Corn, Sugar, plant for a succession. Endive, tow. Leeks, thin or transplant. Peas, a few may be planted as a succession. AGRICULTURAL. Hovir to Use Fertilizers. In general, the use of a single fertilizer will be found profitable as a farm practice only in connec- tion with manure or on land in strong heart, and the poor farmer will never succeed in enhancing the cropping capacity of his farm to an increased profit- able position through the use of one fertilizer alone. Much of the discredit which artificial fertilizers have won has arisen from a non-appreciation of the fact that they cannot supersede dung, but must be used in connection with other plant food. A superphos- phate, or a nitrogenous, or a potassic manuVe can always find place on a farm, but can never take the place of manure in farm practice, and the sooner this false hope is destroyed the better it will be for all concerned. A mi.xture of chemicals or other elements containing the food that plants require does, however, offer promise of practical results on the farm, and can be offered in competition with dung, so far as the result in crops is concerned. This, then, is the promise of the complete fertilizer ; if the farmer has dung sufficient for five acres only, and wishes to cultivate ten or twenty or more in addition to what his dung supply will allow, then he must rely on the complete fertilizer for every acre in ad- dition to what his dung will cover. The experience of ages has shown the reliability of dung ; all the best modern experiments we have show the efficacy of a mixture of chemicals in taking the place of dung, provided they supplement the soil supply so as to furnish to the crops the elements shown by analysis to exist in dung. We cannot fairly compare a super- phosphate in its results with dung ; a single element with a complete fertilizer. The recognition of this fact by farmers will make a revolution in farming and will disperse much of the fog which iuterested parties have thrown about the question of fertilizers. In a final word, all the best experiences and experi- ments, as we interpret their meaning, point certainly to the facts we here claim, that the single fertilizer element must find its profitable use in connection inth other manures, while the complete fertilizer alone can be expected to furnish material in a form adapted [or farm practice, and is the only form of artificial fertilization as yet discovered which offers a meansof extending an arable land beyond the ability of the dung heeps to supply. — Scietitiflc American. Hoeing Wheat. The Practical Farmer, in reply to a question as to the practicability of hoeing wheat, says: " The ad- vantages would seem to be the same, in degree at least, as in hoeing corn or any other crop. It de- stroys weeds, loosens up the soil, letting in air and sunshine to tiie roots, giving increased life and vigor to the plant. Hoeing wheat is a new business, com- paratively, in this country, and yet we have records of experiments sufficient to prove that the plant re- sponds to cultivation in a marked manner. We have before us accounts of experiments in Michigan, last spring, with a machine constructed for the purpose. Strips of equal size were hoed and left unhoed, and not one of some five or six experimenters estimate the gain of tfie hoed over that left unhoed at less than twenty-five per cent., and the general opinion seemed to be that the net profits could be doubled by proper cultivation. Hoeing wheat in the fall after the plants are fairly established would appear to be beneficial, but the principal benefit is in the spring, as then the ground has become solid and packed. This should be done as soon as the ground has well settled, and grass or cloverseed sowed immediately upon the fresh, mel- low surface. Machines for hoeing have the seed sowing attachment, which does the work all at once. Timotliy or clover will rarely miss when sowed in this way. Wheat that has been drilled in is in the proper shape for cultivation, but, perhaps, as ordi- narily drilled, it is too thick for the best results. It will require a number of well-directed experiments to determine all these points, but these can be con- ducted with so little trouble and expense, that tlie wonder is we know so little about the whole matter. Would it not be well for those readers who have drilled wheat, to try this spring what a single hoeing will have on both wheat and grass or clover sowed after hoeing? Stake out a small plat of definite area, if only a square rod ; give it one good hoeiug as soon as the ground will admit, in the spring, har- vest this square rod by itself and see how it compares with the rest of the field, or with any otiier square rod equal in soil and condition previous to hoeing. The Value of Hen Manure. By what we see on the most of farms we are led to believe that but little value is placed on the hen manure, which is left to accumulate wherever it is dropped, until arouud some farmers' premises it might be gathered up by the wagon load. Now this, when properly applied to corn or other crops at planting time, has given the best of satisfaction, and the experiences of those who have used it is that it is far ahead of any fertilizer that can be bought iit the market at §iO per ton. Among farmers there is a difference in the manner which this home-made ■ fertilizer shall be mixed and applied. But the pres- ent opinion of those that have tried it for some timej is, that equal parts of hen manure and plaster be j well mixed uj) together and applied on the hill, asJ soon after planting as it can be conveniently done.l Some have tried mixing ashes with the hen manure,* but after a trial are well convinced that this isj wrong, as the aslies do more hurt than good ; theyj weaken the mixture by letting much of its valuable j properties escape in the atmosphere. Again, others] have applied a mixture of plaster, ben manure and j salt, a small handful on the hill and the corn droppedi on it. But when this is done care must be used or it j will prove too strong for the corn. It may be placed j so close to the corn as to injure the germ so that the seed may not sprout. I once saw a neighbor apply about a quart of hen manure, as an experiment, to I some cabbage plants that he was setting out, which his brother said would surely kill them, but it did ■ not : on the contrary it made them grow very finely, and lie had a very fine lot of cabbage, while some of his neighbors had "uary"one, although their gardens 1878.J THE LANCASTER FARMER. 93 were in other respects eqiially as gooJ as his. Let. us here say to all tliat keep fowls, see tliat they roost in a place where their liropjiinu's can be saveil, and they ■will prove one of the best manures that can lie ob- tained . ^ Protecting Cornfields from Birds. The crow, the blackbird and the blue-jay are the only birds that niolosl our eorntiolds, and this for a period of about two weeks, start intr irom the time the crop is u|i. To protect the tields aijainst tlnMr depredations many devices are resorted to, two of ■which at least are clfectual, the rest doiiig little or nothing; in averting the mischief. The lirst is the runninii: of a twine around the field, clevateVliat is lost in number will be doubly made up in size and llavor. This should be remembered. Many persons regard the thinning out of peaches, pears and apples as so much loss; but they are not judges of fruit, and have no knowledge of its proper culture. They want as large a crop as jiossible, letting the quality take care of itself, no matter how much the tree is dam- aged and what etfect it may have on next year's crop. On some of our own pear trees we sometimes re- move three-fourths of the entire crop, and after- wards lind the tree to grow more than is advisable. Occasionally, with dwarf trees, we do not allow more than one in ten to remain, when the tree is small. It goes hard with some people to diminish the quantity of fruit upon their trees. Sometimes they plead want of time ; but this is not admissible, for if they have not time to attend to the proper cultiva- tion of fruit they should abandon it altogether. The real cause is their greediness. You can't make them believe that they are the gainers by destroying a portion of the crop, saying that nature is the l)est judge as to the quantitj' of fruit. Such persons have no practical knowledge of fruit -raising, and the sooner they give it up the better it will be for them, their pockets and reputation. Protecting Trees Against Worms. The bandage system, which we were the first to suggest some twenty-live years ago, and often re- ferred to since, is the only effectual iirolection we liavB yet seen against the operations of the worm in fruit trees. We repeat again that in not a sinirle in- stance have tve ever had a worm In our dwarf pear trees where this was properly attended to. It is simply to bandage the bottom of the tree with any kind of muslin or cloth and tie it, letting the bandage be aliout six iuches above ground and two inches below. It should be applied as soon as the ground is in a fit condition to go upon. These bandages should be removed at the end of October, but it will do no harm to let them alone, only that they remain in good condition for another season. As long as this is continued we defy the worm. The beetle lays its eggs an inch or two above the ground early iu the spring, that is as soon as the warm days in JIarcli will admit of its coming forth from its winter- quarters; the eggs are soon hatched by the sun, being laid on the sun-side of the trunk, and the young grub finds its way down to the soft bark be- neath the soil where it gradually works its way in. The bandage prevents both the laying of the eggs and the descent of the grub. I,et doubters try it. One man will bandage two hundred trees iu a day. It may also protect the peach tree in the same way. — Iany people cannot eat them at all. , We do not allude only to persons liable to attacks of gout or skin dis- eases, to whom strawberries are almost poisonous, but to those who are in the enjoyment of general good health. They seem to afi'ect the tissues and excite the blood, ]irodueing pimples, blotches and even lioils. We saw a young lady, a belle, at a fash- ionable watering-place, three or four years ago, wlio was obliged, mneli to her discomtiture, to confine herself to her room for ten days from eating a plate of straw berries in the evening. And we have known of many others who were forced to abstain from their enjoyment altogelluT for the same reason. — Qcrtnaiitoirn TeU graph. Success of an Exposed Orchard. J. M. Smith, of Green Bay, Wis., has a pear or- chard one and one-half miles east of the city, ufion the highest point of land, a white oak ridge, in the most exposed situation, and without any sort of pro- tection from the north or west winds. Of lifty trees planted in l>>fil thirty-four are now bearing, twenty- two of w hieli yielded fruit this year. These trees are models of beauty and fruitfulness, and commenced bearing in 18(17 ; have borne good crops sinre 1S70. The years 187^, 1874 and 1870 gave enormous crops, aud the off years fair crops. This orchard has been in blue grass lor the last twelve years. Very little blight Ifas ever appeared, and none this year. It is thought the secret of success in this ease is the free circulation of air, steady growth on a medium soil, uncultivated, contrary to the old theory that protec- tion to the trees is the only road to success. Mr. Smith's trees are common ones, the Flemish Beauty perhaps doing the best of them. The Egg-Plant. This vegetable is perhaps the most difficult to cul- tivate of any to be lonnd in the garden, owing to the tenderness of the plant^ when se£ out. The young plants must, of course, be grown in a hot-bed, and can be purchased at some nurseries or from others who raise several kinds of early plants for sale. They should not be set luit before the last week In May, and generally the first week in June is better, to provide against frost or cool nights, and they should be covered with old newspapers or boxes until firmly established. A single cold night will [lilt them liack two or three weeks, and sometimes render them unfruitful. As they liave small roots occupying a very limited space, they should be planted in the richest soil, and have the best .stable manure liberally aiiplied. They should then be mulched w itli grass or light manure and the ground frequently stirred aud the mulching renewed. A Hint to Geranium Growers. In flowering seedling geraniums the process which I generally practice after the plant has grown some eight inches is as follows : I make a six-inch cutting of the top, dry it in the shade for a day, and Insert it in sand or sandy soil, keeping it moderately dry until rooted, when it should be [Kitted and shifted, as it requires, or planted out in the ground. By this means seedling geraniums are made to flower much quicker and grow dwarfcr than on the seed roots, and w here room is no object and slumps arc kept, you get two iilauts instead of one, which is a great advantage if the seedling be worth preserving. ^ A MAM.woTn bunch of grapes, six feet in circumfer- ence and three feet long, and weighing l'.i5 pounds, was recently exhibited iu .San Francisco. It was from the great vine at Santa Barbara, which is 16 years old, and produces annuallf from 18,000 to 2O,0OJ pound* of grapes. 94 THE LANCASTER FARMEf^. [ June, DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Selecting Meats, In eelectino; beef to roast, if it be for a small family, tlie rib is by far the best and most tender cut ; havesome of the bone removed, then make your butcher skewer the beef. The best beefsteak for broilinjris porter-house. The best beef for a la mode is the round ; have the bone removed and trim oft' all the gristle. For corned beef the round is also the best. For a mutton roast choose the shoulder, the saddle, or the loin and hunch. The lei? should be boiled. Small rib chops are best for broiling ; those cut from the leg are generally tough. Mutton cutlets to bake are taken from the neck. For roast veal the loin, breast or shoulder is good. Veal chops are best for frying ; cutlets are more apt to be tough. In selecting beef take that which has a loose grain, easily yielding to pressure, of dark red coIor,.6mooth, with whitish fat ; if the lean is purplish and the fat is yellow it is poor beef. Grass fed is the lightest, ox the best, and next the heifer. Perhaps the nicest mutton roast is a small leg, the bone taken out and the cavity stutfed with forced meat. The best beef roast is (for three) about two and a half or three pounds of porter-house. Sirloin ranks next. A rump roast is very nice. Two to three pounds is a very great plenty for three. In chops, we think, that from the hind leg of mutton best, unless you can get a "meaty" sirloin. The same in pork, about one and a quarter to one and a half pounds is sufflcieut ; beefsteak about the same quantity. Porter-house is cheaper than sirloin, having less bone. Kump steak and round, if well pounded to make them tender, have the best flavor. The Uses of the Lemon. Few people know the value of lemon juice. A piece of lemon bound upon a corn will cure it in a few days; it should be renewed night and morning. A free use of lemon juice and sugar will always relieve a cough. Most people feel poorly in the spring, but if they would eat a lemon before breakfast every day for a week — with or without sugar, as they like — they would find it better than any medicine. Lemon juice, used according to this receipt, will sometimes cure consumption : Put a dozen lemons into cold water and slowly bring to a boil ; boil slowly until the lemons are soft, then squeeze until all the juice is extracted ; add sugar to your taste and drink. In this way use one dozen lemons a day. If they cause pain, lessen the quantity and use only five or six a day, until you are better, and then begin again with a dozen, a day. After using five or six dozen the patient will begin to gain flesh and enjoy food. Hold on to the lemons, and still use them very freely for several weeks more. Another use for lemons is for a refreshing drink in summer, or in sickness at any time. Prerpare as directed above, and artd water in sugar ; but in order to have this keep well, after boiling the lemons squeeze and strain carefully ; then to every half pint of juice add one pound of loaf or crushed sugar, boil and stir a few minutes more until the sugar is dissolved, skim carefully and bottle. Tou will get more juice from the lemons by boiling them, and the preparation keeps better. Cellars. Cellars are a nuisance in hygienic point of view, but as they are, under present circumstances, a ne- cessity in household economy, they should be so con- structed as to avert, as i'ar as possible, their effecis. These arise from dampness and from gases, which ascend to the rooms atmve, and affect tlie health of the family. To prevent this, let the ceiling of the cellar be plastered, and let the plaster extend to and connect with the cellar walls, so that no dampness or odors can pass between the partitions or walls of the house or through the floors. Let the cellar be thoroughly aired and dried as frequently as the weather will admit, and cleaned often. Let no vegetable or other matter begin the process of decay in it, and if it is discovered to have done so, remove it at once, and purify the air by the opening the cellar windows. A cellar should never be dug in a wet soil. Better put up with a thousand inconveni- ences than run the terrible risk of living daily over such a breeder of miasmatic poison. ^Vork Baskets. Take wrapping twine or carpet warp, and com- mence at the centre of the bottom and crotchet round and round, thick and close, in short double crochet stitch, keeping it widened so it is flat, and when you get it as large as you want it make the sides in shell work. Starch it very stitf and dry it in the oven, with the door open. Dry it over a flower pot, vege- table dish, or anything you like. They are very con- venient to Bet on a sewing machine and hold a thimble or thread. If wanted very elaborate varnish with black varnish and trim with scarlet worsted or ribbon. Anyone familiar with a crochet-needle can readily make one from the above description. An extra nice, soft dish-cloth can be made of candle- wicking, loosely knit or crotcheted on large Afghan needles. Household Receipts. A GOOD waterproof cement maybe made by mixing glue 5, rosin 4, red ocherS parts, with a little water. A TRANSPARENT MUCILAGE of great tenacity may be made by mixing rice flour with cold water, and letting it gently simmer over the Are. Filling for Cracked Ceiling. — Whiting mixed with glue water, or calcined plaster and water makes a good putty for filling cracks in plastered ceilings. For rice griddle-cakes and waffles, use the cold rice left from dinner, add milk, salt and butter suffi- cient to make it the required consistency for either griddle cakes or waffles. Here is a receipt for a nutritious drink for either invalids or giants : Beat up a new-laid egg, pour on it half a pint of boiling milk, sweeten to taste, and flavor with lemon-peel, nutmeg or vanilla. Serve cold in a glass. Tuo.SE who are troubled with moths, note the fol- lowing in anticipation of the spring : Gum camphor or Keating's Persian insect destroyer, placed in the drawers, or distributed throughout the places the moths frequent, will prove effectual insecticides. To CLEAN PAINT suiear a piece of flannel with common whiting, mixed to the consistency of com- mon paste, in warm water. Rub the surface to be cleaned quite briskly, and wash off with pure cold water. Grease-spots will in this way be almost in- stantly removed, as well as other filth, and the paint will retain its brilliancy and beauty impaired. A PRACTICAL authority on house-painting states that paint applied to the exterior of buildings in autumn or winter will endure twice as long as when applied in early summer or in hot weather. In the former case it dries slowly and becomes hard like a glazed surface, not easily affected afterwards by the weather, or worn off by the beating of storms. When meats are broiling on a gridiron, over hot coal, the sudden heat applied sears the outside, wliich shuts in the juices, and the rapid application of heat soon cooks the meat through, if in moderately thin pieces. It is then tender, juicy and palatable. Those who never broil their fresh meat, fish or poultry do not know the excellence of a properly cooked dish of animal food. Clam Soup. — Boil one peck of clams in two quarts of water about twenty minutes, or until the shells open; pour into a pan until cool enough to handle, then shell the clams, cutting off the head and the black spot on the side of the belly ; strain the liquor on to the clams ; put them back and bring to a boil ; skim and add cracker crumbs, a small bit of butter, and a quart of milk ; let it scald and serve hot. Dried Peach Brown Betty. — A layer of peach sauce in the bottom of the pudding dish, a layer of bread crumbs about an inch thick, sprinkled with sugar ; another of stewed peaches, and a second layer of bread crumbs and sugar, with enough thin, sweet cream poured over the lop to wet the upper layer of crumbs. Bake from half an hour to an hour, according to the heat of the oven. This is to be eaten with good milk, but sweetened cream will not spoil it. Mutton Soup. — Take the fore-quarter of mutton, cut out the bone from the shoulder, and put it down to boil in two quarts of water ; as soon as it boils skim it well ; set it where it will keep simmering for an hour ; then add the meat, also more boiling water ; skim again as soon as any scum arises ; grate one good sized carrot, chop three onions, three yellow turnips, and some celery quite small, and add to the soup ; boil slowly five hours ; soak a cupful of rice or barley, according to taste, in some tepid water, and add with the meat ; season with the grated rind of a lemon, a little chopped parsley, salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Pea Soup. — Use half a pint (cost three cents) for every two quarts of soup you want. Put them in three quarts of cold water after washing them well ; bring them slowly to a boil ; add a bone, or bit of ham, if you have it to spare, one turnip and one carrot peeled, one onion stuck with three cloves (cost three cents), and simmer three hours, stirring occa- sionally to prevent burning ; then pass the soup through a sieve with the aid of a potato masher, and if it shows any sign of settling, stir into it one tea- spoonful each of butter and tlour mixed together dry (cost two cents) ; this will prevent settling ; meantime fry some slices of stale bread, or use dry bread to serve with. The soup should boil down to two quarts, and should cost ten cents. Clam Chowder. — Boil one peck of clams in two quarts of water about twenty minutes ; then fry two or three slices pork in a spider ; when well done place in kettle, then half the clams on the pork ; slice six good sized potatoes and one onion on the clams ; sprinkle with salt, pepper and flour, and pour over them part of the pork fat, then the remainder of clams and as many more potatoes, with) another sprinkling of pepper, salt and flour, and the remainder of the fat ; pour the liquor in which the clams were boiled over them, and if it does not cover the potatoes add a little water ; cover close and boil until the potatoes are well cooked ; then moisten a dozen crackers, put them in and pour a quart of milk over them, allowing it to become scalding hot, when it will be ready for the table. LIVE STOCK. Raising Pork. I wish to give your readers my plan of raising pork cheaply, and if any brother farmer has a better way I should like to know it, as I am open to con- viction and anxious to learn how to make the most money out of my hogs in the shortest time and at the least expense. My plan is to secure as good a breed of hogs as possible (my preference is for the Poland or Magics). During the summer I allow them plenty of range on a good pasture of mixed grasses — blue grass, timothy, white and red clover — and plenty of pure water, and good sheds to sleep or lay in out of the rain and heat. I feed the young pigs shelled corn soaked pretty freely, if I have it. The older hogs get no corn from June 1 until corn begins to harden, say Sept. 1. I gradually increase the feed, and am careful to keep plenty of salt, ashes and slaked lime in a trough where all can have access to it. About October 1st I will turn my entire herd of 200, little and big, into my field of red Bra- zilian artichokes. Of these 1 have seven acres, and I think they will supply the herd with all the food they want until winter closes the ground, and when spring opens will supply them with food until the middle of May. During this time my stock hogs will get no other food ;"but the fattening hogs wUl have in addition a feed of corn at night. Artichokes have been used here several years, and those who have used them longest like them best. In fleld culture we have no trouble to eradicate them ; in fact it is necessary to use a little caution, or the hogs will root them out so there will not be enough left in the ground for seed. But during the winter is when we all fail in handling hogs. The long months with one kind of food, and that a kind that makes but very little bone or muscle, virtually a fat producing food only, the best article to lay on fat with, but not the best to build up the constitution and give health and strength. I have this year raised an acre of mangel wurtzcl and sugar beets, also half an acre of turnips; these I will put where I can get at them in the winter, and when the weather will permit I will feed them freely. The swine eat them eagerly, even now, and I feel sure that such a ' change of diet occasionally in the winter will be a great benefit. I shall aso cut a few acres of clover (second growth, cure it carefully, salt it well, and feed it during the winter, perhaps cut short and moistened. I will have quite a number of late pigs ; these I intend to feed during the winter with one good feed each day, all they will drink of warm swill made of two parts bran, one part shorts, and one part meal, and at night a feed of corn. Now, with this bill of fare and variety of diet I hope to secure health for them and profit to myself. A part of this is yet to be tried, and is an experiment with me, and I am aware some of your readers will say, will require too much Labor; but I think I will be well paid for my laljor ; at least I have never found the successful stock raiser that either shunned labor or care, and, if your readers desire it, .at some future time, I will give them the benefit of my experience.— E. F. Brockwatj, in Prairie Farmer. Balking. As to matter of balking, no general direction can be given or rule established. If tlie education of the colt has been conducted in accordance with correct principles, he will not balk. Balking on the part of the colt is, for the most part, the result of the train- er's ignorance or passion. Yelling and whipping on the part of the trainer or driver, overloading, sore shoulders, or ill-fitting collars— these are the causes that make horses balk. But if you have a horse or colt that balks, while one cannot, without a personal knowledge of the subject, tell you what to do we can tell you what not to do — never whip. If he won't go let him stand still and think over it. He will vei-y often think better of it, and after a few moments' reflection and a few tosses of the head, go on of his own accord. Or, if this does not answer, get out of the wagon and pat him and talk to him. A horse is very susceptible to kindness ; and we have known more than one vicious horse gentled into good behaviour by a few pats from a lady's gloved hand on the moist neck and veined muzzle. Sometimes it is well to loosen a strap or start a buckle. We have known the mere fact of uncheek- ing and rechecking the animal to answer the pur- pose. It took his attention off in another channel, changed the current of his thought and broke up his purpose and determination to resist. ^ Arab Maxims for Horse-Keeping. 1. Let your colt be domesticated and live with you from his tenderest age. When a horse he will be simple, docile, faithful and inured to hardship and fatigue. 2. Do not beat your horse or speak to him in a loud tone of voice; do not get angry with him, but kindly reprove his faults; he will do better there- after, for he understands the language of man and its meaning. .3. If you have a long day's journey spare your horse at the start ; let him walk frequent- ly to recover his wind. Continue this until he has sweated and dried three times, and you may ask Q\ 1878. THE LANCASTER FARMER. 95 liim whatever yon please lie will not. leave you in Jilliiulty. 4. "Olieerve your liorsc when lie is ilrink- iiii; at a lirook. 11' in lirinyins liowii his lieaJ he re- nuiiiis s(|uarc, williout henJin!; his linilie, he pos- sesses stcrlini; qualilies, and ali parts of liis hoily are liuilt syninietrieally. .1. Four tliinL's he must have liroaii — front, chest, loins ami liinl>s ; I'our Ihin^rs loiii; — neck, chest, forearm ami croup; four things sliurt — pasterns, back, cars ami tail. The Perfect Sheep-Dog. The I^omlon Fanciers* Jottrnal gives the following description of the Scotch coUey titled to win a prize in a first-rate English dog-show : "The head has a great rescmblauee to the wolf's — bfing rattier coni- cal, and going otV gradually sharp to tlic nose, with a long jaw — only hinger, and witli a foxy and intel- h^a'iit look, ami wider and longer ears, which are a little feat tiered and pendant; eyes have a sort of flashing 'miss-nothing' look, always on the alert; ■ jaw long; nose sharp: neck long, and well furnished witli apron ami rutllc ; sliouldcrs tine and deep; ehest well let down ; legs straight and lull of muscle, with cat-like feet. A good, broad back, thick over the loins, w ith well-bent hocks; stifles well develoiied; tail feat tiered and not carried over the back; coat long and straight, wiry to the Icnich, with a pily coat underneath the 'overcoat.' Color various ; that most in vogue is blaek-and-tan — the tan Jiale, not rich. This is the present fashionable sheep-dog." Success in Breeding Fine Stock. It is folly for a man to think of beeoining a suc- cessful breeder of live stock unless he takes a pride in the business and likes the stock he is raisina:. To he successful he must lieconie enamored with the business. lie must feel nearly the same interest in his stock that he does in the members of his family. He must always have a kind word for them, and feel a lively interest in their comfort and well-lieiug. lie must provide for their wants, jiet them, cultivate an acquaintance with them. He must be ambitious to excel in raising the very best specimens, and hence must procure the choicest animals as breeders. He must have his business "on the brain," give it his chief attention, study how to excel in it, post himSelf in regard to it by taking the best papers devoted to it. H' he will no this his future as a breeder is bright and promising. — C'ubnan^s Rural World, Curing a Sick Hog. While on a visit to an old farmer's in Mass.a- chusetts, a fattening pig was taken violently sick from no explainable cause. Some soft, rotten logs or chunks of wood were at once olitaincd and placed within reach, of which he ate most ravenously, his owner assuring nie that he had no doubt as to its effecting a cure, which it did in the course of a few hours. I asked for the theory of this strange prac- tice, to which he lauirhingly replied th.at some tilings were too deep for science to fathom, but that he ac- counted for it as a craving need of the originally wild nature of the hog, which domestication does not root out . The Keep of a Horse. In various stables where powerful dray horses are kept, the food given being hay, straw, oats, corn, beans, bran in varying jiroportions, the ration at the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railroad Company is 11 pounds hay, 16 pounds grain. The Municipal (iuard of Paris allows each horse 11 pounds of hay and 8 pounds of oats daily, with 11 pounds of straw daily for litter. The forage ration of the United States cavalry horse in IWill was 14 pounds of hay and V2 pounds of oats, corn or barley ; 100 pounds of straw monthly being allowed for bedding. Tlie mule ration is 14 pounds of hay and 9 pounds of grain. Number of Stock. A farm in high condition and kept so will support twice as much stock as auollier in good condition. The general rule on farms devotecl to sheep hus- bandry exclusively, is three sheep to an acre of cleared land ; in mixed husbandry two shecj) to every such acre, and in grain farming one sheep to every acre of cleared land. A horse is estimated to eat as much grass as eight sheep, and a cow as much as eight or ten sheep (no grain considered). These are averages only, both of animals and land, and fine wool sheep are understood, the coarse wools requiring more feed. If Cows are Kept In a half-starved condition they yield but little if any milk, and this of poor quality. The food they get under these eircumstanees may not even he suflicient to meet the more immediate requirements of the body, so that little, if any, is available for milk. Not only is there no profit gained by keeping cows under these circumstances, but the food thus con- sumed may be said to be wasted, since, if given to fewer cows, it might yield a proper quantity and quality of milk. POULTRY. Onions for Poultry. In ISOO I joim d my husband down in .Southweslern Virginia, and was there during the war. and I was engaged in raising poultry. I went to the clilckcn- housc one morninir for eggs, and when I came out had to make a complete eliange of apparel. I recol- lect of readiim- in the Cnuulnj (,'iiitlii,i(iii tha.1 the feeding of oniims to poultry wonlil exterminate poultry lice. It t>egan atonee iiy cliopping the onions fine, and niixiui; with cornmeal and liot watir. After standing a short time it was fed to the poultry, and in less than lliree weeks the little pests had en- tirely disappcMr.d. I used to take onion tojis and cut them up line ami mix with the meal, wetting it with sour milk, or clabber (when I had it), to feed to the chickens one or two days in a week, until they were large enough to eat grain or small corn. I never lost a chicken with the gapes during the five years I was there. I asked a Yankee refugee from the border in what way lice on chiekens caused the gapes. He said it weakened tlioin so that they could not sneeze and throw out the worms. The feeding of onions will not cure the gapes, but is a preventive. My neighbors would say that liccau.se I was in a new place was why I had such good luck in raising chickens. I told them about feeding the onions, and tliey found them very good. I told them I should lose many of my early chickens, just as they did, if I Ibllowed their example, in giving twenty-two chickens to one hen the first of April. There would he half a dozen or more little chickens on the outside of the hen that her feathers coulil not cover, in a cold, frosty morning. Three feedings a week in the spring and a part of the summer is sufficient. I seldom fed the onions in fall or winter. One of your correspondents thought the eggs w(mld taste of the onions but they do not. I have noticed their flavor in butter early in the spring, when the cows (down .South) ate leeks, which were more for- ward than the grass, but there is not a particle of this taste in the eggs from the hens eating the onions. My neighbors have had the same good results in feeding onions. — Correspondciit Country (Icnllt'inan. ^ Number of Eggs that a Hen Can Lay. \Vc copy the following item, which has been, for a long time, going the rounds of the agricultural press, showing how little scientific attention has been ordi- narily bestowed upon the subject of poultry-keeping: "It has been ascertained that the ovarium of a fowl is composed of 600 ovules or eggs ; therefore a hen, during the whole of her life, cannot possibly lay more than 600 eggs, which, in the natural course, are distributed over nine years, in the following pro- portion : First year after birth 16 to 20 Second do 100 to 120 Third do 120 to 135 Fourtb do 100 to 115 Fifth do 60 to Stl Sixth do PO to 60 Seventh do a.") to 40 Eiglh do 18 to '20 Niuih do 1 to 10 It follows that it would not be profitable to keep hens after their fourth year, as their produce will not pay for their keeping, except when they are of a valuable and scarce breed." To begin with, we may doubt the possibility .of making any accurate count of the number of ovisacs in the ovaries, or of aflirining that no new ones m;ike their appearance out of minute germs or cells in the course of the life of the hen. In the next place, such a limitation must have reference to the actual constitution of the fowl, and this either in its wild or tame condition. If to the former, the number of ovisacs, even if definitely as- certained, can have no connection whatever with the real habit of the hen, since she laye in a wild slate only as many eggs as she can cover ; if to the tame fowl, it is strange to find so definite a rule laid down for an animal tliat is, in the highest degree, of an artificial character, and whose nature is, in so many points, constantly being remade. — Poultry World. ^ Feeding for Eggs. For the production of eggs the food should contain an ample supply of those ingredients that make up the egg. An averaire egg weighs about 1,000 grains, divided as follows : Shell 107, while 604, of yolk'^TO. The shell is composed of it7 per centum eartjonate of lime, one per centum of phosphate of lime and mag- nesia, and two per centum albumen ; the yolk of Mi per centum w.ater, 28.6 per centum yellow oil, and 17.4 per centum albumen ; and the while, .S.") per centum water, 2.7 per centum mucus, 0.:! per centum salts and 12 per centum altiumen- Therefore a food containing albuminoids and fat should be employed. The natiiral food of the fowl consists of insects, seeds, vegetable matter, etc. Therefore there should be a variety of grains, animal matter in the form of scraps of nieat, etc., or, as has been practiced, finely cut and steamed clover hay. There sliould be great varietv at all times, and Indian meal scalded and well seasoned with pejiper or choiiped horserailish will be very effective. A recent writer prescribed Indian meal made into a miisli, which was cooked an hour or two and then fed hot with horseradish. It was recommended to cook food of all kinds and feed hot. This might lie well as a stiniiilant, but corn- meal must be conit)iiicd with animal fooil to produce egcrs. A supply of powdered shells or bones sliould be provided, not only to aid digestion but furnish egg-shell material. A eorrcspfindcnt of I he Plymouth Chronicle mixeil hog's lard with the dougli he gave his hens, and assorts that a piece as large as a hickory nut will set a hen to laying immediately after she is broken up from setting, and that liy feed- ing a little oecasloDally hens may be made to lay all winter. How to Keep Eggs Fresh. A lady correspondent writes : " It Is sometlmeB desirable to store away eggs in tlie summer or fall, when prices are so low that we cannot afford to sell Ihcm, and kiep them till in the winter, when they are often very scarce, and will be keenly relished or can be disposeil of at a good ))iice, if good and fresh. To keep them thus we do not believe there is a more simple and cflicient way than the one wc have alwaj-s practiced, and which was sueecssfully practiced by my father for the last thirty or forty years. This Is by simply taking none but perfectly fresh and sound eggs and setting them in layers on the tip or small end, in a box or baBki't,or anything that will hold eggs. Wc do not put anythinir between them, nor do we put them up " air lii:h,," but wc always keep them in the cellar. Eggs that we have put away in this position last fall are to-day— after six months — as fresh and good as the day tiiey were laid, and wc have never found one that was spoiled or stale among them, when thus served. We feel confident that they would keep good and fresh for one year. I wish some of your readers would try this method aiui see how long they can keep them, and then re- port the results." Feed Fowls a Little and Often. It is a very careless method of fecdiiu; fowls which we see so often adopted, where the grain is thrown down in great heaps on the i.'round or floor. It is not only wasteful, but injurious to the fowls, because they get over-fed, and it is in an important respect contrary to their habits. For their nature is to "scratch." Watch the old hen with a brood when she is just let out of the coop. She hardly stirs from the spot, but as soon as she has realized her freedom, down go her claws into the soil, and afterward, whenever you see her, she Is at it. Always feed, then, no more than can be eaten at once, aiid take care that is so scattcicd amongst some light rubbish, that they may have the luxury of scratching for it. If feed is buried in in fresh earth then they get, with their mouthfuls of grain, some- thing of use to their peculiar digestive organs, drain, however, .should not be allowed to come in contact with the filthy tainted soil too often found In the poultry-yard.— 7'/ie Poultry World. ^ Cooked Food for Chickens. Todd's Ilaiid-Book on Fvirh gives good rules for feeding fowls in winter, as follows: "We think fowls cost less and return more, if fed warm, cooked food once a day, early in the morning. A mixture of corn, oats aiid bran, and middlings, ground fine is good ; or the corn may be boiled unground. It is well to add a portion of boiled ]>otatoes, apples or turnips, and vary tlie mixture occasionally, for a change. The feed should be well cooked, ami not made thin. In breeding season, fine bran and oats, with vegetables, make a feed sutlicieiitly rich for Asiatics, which are disposed to get so far as to pre- vent laying, increase broodiness and render eigs un- fertile. In fact, they should be fed very sparingly, and kept ' hungry and lively.' I prefer whole grain in variety for riiiil-day and evening feeding. In cooking daily, there is quite a savins, as much stuff and scraps can be converted into fooii that would go to waste. There is nothing but what fowls will eat, if properly ' dished up.' " ^ . Grain for Poultry. There is no other grain that is relished so well by fowls as Indian corn. It must always continue to be, as now, the American poulterer's main reliance, for, although too fattening to use in certain cases, pos- sesses more nutriment for the price than any other grain, and is always to be obtained. Corn can be given crround and unground, raw and cooked. Oafs we prefer ground fine, as otherwise the hulls are too harsh and bulkv. With wheat-bran and middlings, wheat in the kernel, barley and buekweat, there need be no dilllculty in avoiding monotony. Rye, though the i>oorest grain of all, may be given occasionally, and brewers' grains, if convenient.— T/if Poultry World. Good setters among hens seldom or never leave their nests more than once a day, provided they are well fed when they come off; while they seldom re- main away from a quarter to half an hour, rarely exceeding the latter period, unless food has not been supplied and they have to forage for themselves, 96 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [June, 1878. ENTOMOLOGICAL. Habits of Curculio. Prof. Riley, of St. Louis, informs us tli.at the cur- culio, as a beetle, wiuters above ground, and seeks shelter under the bark of trees, brush or any other rulibish. The female lives sometimes a year. Its operations upon fruit are mostly performed .at night and during the absence of the sun in cloudy days. Heuee the most successful Jarring is early in the morn- ing and in the evening. The insect always becomes a pupa under ground, and the grub frequently re- mains in fruit that falls, which should be removed and destroyed. During its beetle-life both sexes feed as long as the weather admits of activity, and they attack pip fruit when stone fruit is not to bo had. Jarring should, therefore be repeated every morning and evening from the time the fi-uit is the size of a pea till it is ripe. No doubt this is correct in every particular. Jarring the trees seem to be the most certain mode of getting rid of this destructive insect, and the best way to do this, in order that the tree sliall not be injured, is by removing a low bouirh of the tree within an inch or two of the trunk and strike it with a mallet. A friend in Montgomery county, who has adopted the jarring system, in- formed us a couple of years ago that by this means he always saved his plums, and that he has caught in a sheet, at the first jarring, full one hundred and fifty insects, and at the second about fifty. But he docs not continue it so frequently as Prof. R iley sug- gests. It is best to begin operations early and to con- tinue them at least as long as any of the "little Turks" remain. This is no doubt a "remedy," if properly attended to. \A^ire-Worms and Corn. One of my neighbors, who is troubled with wire- worms in his land, says he has found a remedy at last. The ground whereon he planted corn this year was inl'ested with the wire-worms, and on a piece adjoin- ing, last year, where he did not try the experiment, his corn was completely ruined. At the time of planting, he soaks the seed in soft soap until it is well moistened, after which it is rolled in plaster until the grains do not adhere to each other, so it can be easily dropped. As soon as the young blades appear a mixture of lime, plaster and ashes, equal parts, is applied, a tablespoonful to each hill ; and he says not one hill is touched by the worms. LITERARY AND PERSONAL. Fearless Railway Threshing Machine. We call the attention of farmers and threshermen to the advertisement of the Fearless Horse-Power and Thresher and Cleaner, elsewhere in this number of our paper. This machine is the only one that re- ceived an award on both horse-power and thresher and cleaner at the Centennial Exhibition, Philadel- phia, and ranks as best of its class. An e.x-President of the New York State Agricultural Society said of Ilarders' Machines, "they are the best ever made," and the same testimony has been borne by equally good authority time and again. For further infor- mation send to Minard Harder, Coblcskill, N. Y. The Scikntific Fahmer. — "In the interest of profitable agriculture." Boston, Miiss. E. Lewis Sturteviint, M. D., editor. This journal, to our ap- prehension, is absolutely the best on our exchange list. Its matter is solid and practical, entirely di- vested of that irrelevant garbage which usually fills the columns of more sensational and pretentious agricultural publications. Although it usually con- tains a moderate number of illustrations, yet its letter press is compact, its typography plain and distinct, and its contents, both original and selected, of the the highest order. It contains nothing but what re- lates directly to practical husbandry and domestic economy. Wc believe it has never yet resorted to the expediency of publishing a sensational premium list, and we hope it never may. The Matrimonial Advocate. — Published monthly in the interest of love and matrimony. Mount Vernon, Ohio, June, ls78. George W. Me- Whcrter, editor, and issued at 50 cents a year by the United Publishing Company. This is an S p.age quarto. No. 1, vol. 1 of which is now before us. It is the highest toned journal devoted to its peculiar specialty that has ever come under our observation, contemplating the subject not merely from a business standpoint or a mere mattcr-of-tiio7icy, but from moral principle. It proposes to engage in what may be appropriately deemed the greatest undertaking of the age, and if steadfast in principle that, " Without rnc ye can do nothing," it may possess the possibili- ties of efl'ecting some much needed good to poor, blind, self-willed and sensuous humanity. Western Inventor, a monthly journal devoted to the interests of engineers, machinists, inventors and manufacturers. "OlBce, No. 11 Pike's Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio. Price, 50 cents a year, in advance. This is an exceedingly well gotten up and finely-illustrated quarto of 16 pages, the fifth num- ber, tor June, 1878, of which is on our table. It is exclusively devoted to the subjects enumerated in its title, and its low price we thint; cannot but make it acceptable to a large number of readers who may desire such a journal at a lower rate than that de- manded by the fScicntiJic American^ which has here- tofore almost exclusively monopolized this special field of journalism. The illustrations are equal to those of the great journal named, and we must won- der how so excellent a paper can be furnished at so low a price . First Annual Report op the Pennsylvania Board of Agriculture for the year 1877, with an appendix. A remarkably well gotten up royal octavo volume of 336 pages of let,ter press, with a copious index, and a large number of well executed illustrations. We are under obligations to the Hon- orable Secretary for copies of this excellent work, which far surpasses anything heretofore published by the Stiite, and is a credit to the young_and pro- gressive institution organized for the purpose of ad- vancing the agricultural interests of the common- wealth. The papers in this volume are all of a practical character, and the tabulated statistics very elaborate and satisfactory. Asthe initiatory of what the State Board may accomplish in the future, it is certainly very promising to those who feel an interest in the organization of such an institution in the in- terest of agriculture. Employment for Ladies and Gentlemen at Home. — Our attention has been called to some new and labor-saving cooking utensils — recently invented; one of which, the Universal Weight and Measuring Utensil, for weighing flour, sugar, butter, and meas- uring molasses, milk and all kinds of liquids used in cooking, entirely superseding expensive scales. The Patent Centennhal Cake Pan, the best and most convenient cake pan ever made, and which every housekeeper will have when they see its advantages over all others. Also, the Kitchen Gem, a plated wire boiler to hang inside of an ordinary pot, for Vjoiling all kinds of vegetables, eggs, etc., which, when done, can be removed at once perfectly dry without lifting the heavy sooty pot olf of the stove. These goods are sold exclusively through agents to families, and otter a splendid opportunity to some re- liable lady or gentleman canvasser of this county to secure the agency for a very profitable business. For terms, territory, etc., write to L. E. Brown it Co., No. 242 Elm street, Cincinnati, O. Harper's Maoazine for July, 1878. — Harper's Maijazinc for July finds a novel field for the por- tr.ayal of character and the description of scenery in the lowlands of Virginia — the old aristocratic " tide- water" region, rich in historic associations, and ex- ceedingly picturesque in its memorial relics of the old time. The opening article of the number de- voted to this subject, and entitled " Some Landmarks of Old Virginia," is contributed by Allen C. Ked- w^ood, who uses his pencil as effectively as his pen. Of especially humorous and pathetic interest is Mr. Rideing's paper about Hospital Life in New York, with sixteen bright illustrations by Reinhart, Abbey and Rogers, effectively representing every phase of hospital life from the coming of the ambulauee to the period of convalescence. Porte Crayon contributes one of his characteristi- cally illustrated papers on " Old-time Militia Mus- ters," full of the racy humor belonging to the .ancient " general training-day," the scene being laid in Virginia. In his charming story, "Owlet," John Esten Cooke also takes us to Virginia, and the interest of hisioraanceis heightened by .Mr. Pyle's beautiful illustrations. The engravings illustrating the paper on Van Dyck — another of the series of " Old Flemish Mas- ters," are in every way worthy of the subject. Among the characteristic domestic sketches pre- sented in this number, " Daddy Will," by Charles D. Deehler, stands out in liold, strong lines — a familiar but striking picture of the trusted and faithful ser- vant so well remembered in many Southern homes. Especially impressive is the scene between Daddy Will and little Kate, which the artist has selected as a subject for illustration. There are two illustrated papers on foreign sub- jects. A. H. Guernsey contributes one on the pecu- liar features of the worship of Juggernaut in Orissa. The other, entitled "A First Week in England," in- troduces us to the quaint old houses and rows of Chester, to Ludlow Castle, where Milton wrote his "Comus," and to the fine old cathedral at Hereford. Dr. Abel Stevens contributes a timely article, en- titled "Anecdotes of Voltaire among the Swiss," full of fresh materials furnished by Gaberel, an ancien paxteur of Geneva — materials wholly ignored by Vol- taire's recent biographer, Mr. Morley. Benson J. Lossing, with the "Glorious Fourth" evidently in view, contributes a spirited narrative of the vindication of John Peter Zenger, a poor German printer, who was arrested by the order of the Pro- vincial Governor of New York in 1734, and tried" for the publication of seditious articles in the New York Weekly Journal. The serial stories by William Black and Thomas Hardy are continued. Charles De Kay contributes a vivacious short story, entitled "A Wife-Hunt ;" and James Paj'n humorously describes an ".-Vdventure in a Forest," in the vain search for Dickens's May- pole Inn, The Editorial Departments are full of entertain- ment and timely information. Among the many funny things in the Drawer — including another re- markable "colored debate" — is a very taking poem by John Vance Cheney, entitled "Collie." Pettengill's Newspaper Directory and Ad- vertisers' Hand-rook for 1878, comprising a com- plete list of the newspapers and other periodicals published in the United States and British America ; also the prominent European and Australian news- papers. New York : S. M. Pettengill & Co., publish- ers. No. 37 Park Row. An excellently well gotten up royal oetavo volume, printed on fine tinted calendered paper, with 332 pages of letter press and 44 pages of advertisements, together with fine portraits of distinguished literary and newspaper men. This work is not only beautifully printed, but it is also admirably arranged geographically by States, and alphabetically by towns ; with time and days of issue, politics or distinctive features, names of publishers, circulation, etc.; together with such information as to the advantages offered by newspapers as has been furnished for the purpose by the publishers ; includ- ing sketches of prominent newspapers, and statisti- cal and historical notations of hundreds of others throughout the body of the work; and also archi- tectural illustrations of some of the great newspaper establishments. This book recognizes ten newspaper publications in Lancaster city and twenty-seven in the county. Many interesting items may be gleaned from this book. For instance, there is but a single county in Pennsylvania in which but a single newspaper is published, namely, Sul- livan; in all others they are duplicated. Lan- caster county leads "Old Berks" by a majority of seven. The city and county of Philadelphia issues periodically 163 newspaper publications. This, of course, includes newspapers and magazines. What would Ben. Franklin say if he now could witness what is going on in the newspaper realm in this nether world ? It doesn't seem so long since his prospective mother-in-law thought th.at Philadelphia would be "crowded" with tiiv papers in it. But, if we are surprised at Philadelphia's publications, what must be the nature of our emotions when we leaj-u that in the city and county of New York there are 443 newspapers and magazines published peri- oilically. New York leads Philadelphia much farther than Lancaster does Berks. This certainly illustrates that the art of printing constitutes a great factor in the industrial interests of our country. The portraits — that of S. M. Pettengill is a most exquisitely executed piece of art, and exhibits an in- tellectually cut face and a w.ell-formcd and "level head," the outlines of which are brought out all the more prominently by the absence of the usual pro- fusion of hair. That of Geo. W. Childs is almost equally well executed, but lacks the life-like shading. Mr. C. looks like a healthful, good-natured and well-balanced man. We had imagined his features angular, but they are symmetrically rounded and well formed. He seems to be unquestioiuably intel- lectual, but to our apprehension the affectional pre- dominates. Bayard Taylor; well, everybody that reads knows Bayard Taylor, but we had looked for another sort of head and face. Mr. T. has sojourned so long and so often in Europe that externally he seems to have become Germanized. If no name had been attached to his portrait, we should have said that th.at man had once upon a time had drunk a gl.ass of "bier" — could do so .again if occasion re- quired it, and probably would do so, rather than appear mawkishly eccentric. On the whole, he re- fleets " a sound mind in a sound body," " the right man in the right place." James Gordon Bennett has an approximation to the Jeff. Davis face. Was he oblique-eyed ? (cross-eyed.) The portrait makes him so. It seems to be a very clever wood-cut. Of course, he was a man of" intellect, energy and enter- prise, but seems to have a finer texture than we thought he had, as retlected through the Herald and the commentaries of his contemporaries. Samuel Bowles, of the Springfield SepiMican, is more practical and artistic in appearance than any of the foregoing, and withal exhibiting intellect and energy of character In an eminent degree. Of course these random cogitations relate to the pictures, and not to the men themselves, for we have never seen any of them. Bret llari-ranft — no, no, no, not that — we mean Bret Hart. If the name, had not been attached to this portrait we might have taken it for Gov. Hartrauft, or his brother, or his son, or broth- er's son, and but for the mustachios, for his father, in his earlier days. He looks, however, as if he was fond of fun, satire and wit ; and that he might have written "Truthful James" and the "Heathen Chinee." The features are large and heavy in ap- pearance, and although intellectual and knowing enough, yet it appears to us that we have seen and known half a dozen men that looked like him at one period of their lives. The book we have been discussing no doubt fills an important place in the advertising and publishing concerns of the country, and its absence would create an uncomfortable vacuum in the business world ; one of those vacancies, however, which so many enter- prises are anxious to HIl, THE LANCASTER FARMER> IIL \kl A MTCn Au eiiucated yoiiuK man, Pifaclicnl Fiirm- VVAIN I LU. er, Willi small capital, tu i-.iSoiith. Address, 10-6-lm IMS.^WISK, P. O. Box U>is, rhi'lad.-li.hia, Pa. Ardenheim Iron Stone. Tho Artlonlioim Iron Kloiio Pipe** are prououuced by pruotical men iu thie Hue of busiuees, the best iu the Uuited States. WATER PIPES FOR FARMERS. DRAIX PIPES FOR PLUMBERS. Send to C. II. AXUEKSOX, Proprietor, II lint- ing'dou. Pa., for tt'slimonials, and see for yourselves ■what thoBe sav of them who have used them. p ^T 'Tk Any worker c;tu innko|i_12 a dayat home. CoMtly IM I'-iy I Outfit free. Address TiitJE & Co., Auguntu, Mo. /SAAO DILLER. Hardware Merchant SOL.E AGEXT, No. 7 East King St., Lancaster, Pa, ^C +A O^n l^*^^ '•^■'■^' ^* home. Samples worth $i free. vO wO U)^W Address Stinson Ji; Co., Purthind. Maiue. Ul-'2-ly' LISTEN TO THE MOCKING BIRD,-The Prairie Whistle and Auinial Imitator ciiii be used by a child. It is made to imitate the soug ot every Ijird. the neigh of a horse, the bray of an ass, the grunt of a hog; birds, beasts and suakes are euchautea and eutrajiited by It. Is used by Billy Birch, Charley White, aud all the Miustrels aud Warb- lers. Ventriloquism can be learned in three days by its aid. Sent upon receipt of H' cte,. 3 for 25 cts., 7 for 50 cts. 15 for $1. Address, J. W.COTTRELL & CO., '218 Fulton Street, New York. lo-.^'i-im PlAMnBt-autifalfonrt-rt Gnina l'i;»ii"s.n| AMf) ■ *"l"^ cost J«i|,«04> only 8 I2<>. Superb i;r;.t..il InMU Square Pianos, cost $1.100 "uly $255. Klegant lU'ii^^^ht Piauos, cost $NOO, only $1.55. New style Upright Pianos, $112.50. 'Orgraii!* ^:$5. Oreaus. 12 stops, $72.50. Church Organs. 16 stops, cost )S3iM», only §115. Elegant §375 Mirror Top Organs, only !$Iublished. Gives correct meas- urement of all kinds of lumber, l-'gs and plank by Doyle's Rule, cubical contents of square and round timber, stave and he^idiug bolt tables, wages, rent, board, capaciiy of cisterns, cord-wood tables, interest, etc. Standard Book throughout Uuited States and Canada. Ask yoHr bookseller for it, or I will send one for 35 cents, post-paid. U. W. FIAIIER, 10-2-3m] P. O. Box 23S, Korli^Nter, N. Y. pedighee onion seed. Dauvers Onion St-t-d, rava'U fruvi the choirrxt onions of each crop for jl/ty t/rart in xncceAsion ! The difference in the crop will be ten times greater than tho cost of the seed. My Seed Catalogue free to all. 10-3.2m] JAMES J. H. GREGORY, Mnrl>lohoa4l, Ma«iM. 2 500 000^.' guH, RoittSf I'» ach 7r/«.«, He lOO .SKI.F.4'TKI> VA- ItlKTlKK. Gr*'ut Atnfricaii Strafrtierri*tx. T^;irge«t and hr-st. Berrifs \i oz, each, 9 in. around. Ity mail lO for $1: 100 lor 85; I.OOO for flUO. HiLtoji AUmuy, i'has. JJtm'niufff Monarch uf the Wettt, limtturky, O'rrrn i'ro/t/iV, 82 ptr 1,000; Vapt, .Tack, Cufnher- tand Triunifth, Strrlin{/f JocitntUi, 85 per 1,000, ALl. PIKE. Catalogue free. Cut this out. JdllX K. COLLINS, 10-2-3m] Moorestown, New^JerBoy. 1760. ESTABLISHED 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO., 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE. BUILDING HARDWARE, (JI.ASN, PAINTS, OILS, PVMPS, TEREACOTTA, IRON ana LEAD PIPE, LEATHER BELTING, SEED8, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. Agrentn Tor the " Ohio " Reaper and Mo'wer, Whann'e Phosphate, Fairbank's Scales, Dupont'a Powder, Harrisburg Nails. &c., &c. We bave the larRest stock of general Hardware In the State, HUd our prjcfs art; as low uiut terms as liberiil as can be found elsewber*-. 9-1-tf. GOOD BOOKS FtjK TUK Farm, Gard"en, and Household. The fullowint,' IS a lint of ViiluabN- Boukf. which wUl bo supplied by the Editor of the L.^ncastku Kaumku, No. 101 North Queen St. Any one or more of these books will be sent post paid to any of our readers on receipt of tba regular price which ie named aKain»t each book. Allen's (It. L. & L. F,] New Amfricau Farm Book $2 50 Allen'H (L. F.) American Cattle.* 2 50 Alwood'H Country and Suburban Hounes 150 liomnier'B mi'thud of Milking Manurea 25 IJreck'K New Hook of Flowi-rn 1 75 Uriil's Farm-Gardening and Seed-Growing 100 Dadd's Modern Horne Doctor, ]2nio IM Dadd's American Cattle Doctor, 12 iiio 1 50 Flax Culture, (Seven Prize EHsays by practical growora,) 30 Fuller's Grape CulturiRl 160 Fuller's Small Fruit Culturiat 1 5« Fulton's Peach Culture 1 50 Gregory on Squashes psper.. 30 Harris on the I'ig 150 Henderpou's Gardening for Pleasure 150 Henderson's Gardening for Profit 150 Hendersou's Practical Floriculture 1 50 Herbert's Hints to Horse-Keopers , 1 75 Hop Culture. By nine exjierieuced cuIliTators 30 Hunter and Trapper 1 00 Onions— How to Kaise them Profltably 20 Our Farm of Four Acraa. Pa., 30c.; t'lo., 60c., Ex. do. 1 00 ParaouB on tho Uose 1 50 Quinby's Mysteries of Bee-Keeping 1 50 Quhicy (Hon. Josiab) on Soiling Cattle 1 25 yuinn's Money in the Garden 1 50 giiinu's I'oar Culture for ProOt, 1 00 KiUys Potato Pists Paper 50 cts.; cloth., 75 lioe's Play and Profit iu my Garden 1 50 Stewart's Irrigaton for the Farm, Garden nnd Orchard I 50 Stewart's Stuble Book 1 50 Stewart's Shepherd's Manual 150 Stoddard's Ann Kgg Farm l'ap<^r, 50 cts.; cloth 75 Thoniiis's Farm Implements and Machinery 1 60 Tim Bunker Papers, or, Yankee Farming 150 Tobacco Culture. By fourteen experienced cultivators. 25 Waring'fl Draining for Profit and Health 1 5<) Waring's Elements of Agriculture 1 00 White's Cranl>orry Culture 1 26 Wright's Pract)C4il Poultry-Kecjier" 2 00 DWIN iLDENQ ad\eriising/V^GENCy3 , 174 elm'sireet. cincinj*ati. ohio. Advertisementa inserted in any paper. 1 Before advertising send for my catalogue. 17. THE LANCASTR FARMER. [June, 1878. «OT7T OF "WOS-K." sona ANn CHORUS, by ALICE HA-WTHORTSTE. Author of " Listen to the MockinK Bird," "I'll sail the b6»b over," " What in Home without a Mother," etc., etc, " Out of work, without a peuny, Pleadiug hei before thy door, Without friends among the many — Look with pity on the poor." * , * One of the most touching and beautiful ballade ever written, will give the author a more extended popularity than anything she has ever written. Price 35 cents — or, illut»trated title page 40 cents. For Bale at all music stores, or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers, J. M. STODDAET & CO., 0-9 723 Chestnut Street. Philadelphia. ESTABLISHED 1882. Gr. SENER & SONS, Manufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and finished The best Sawed SHIXGI.ES iu the country. Also Sash, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c. PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any other. Also best I'OAL coustanlly on hand. OFFICE AND YARD : Sortheast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts., LA NCASTER* FA.. 9-1-ly ^_^^^_^^__^^_^^^ THE THREE POTATOES. EARI.T OHIO.— Earlier than Early Kose. Ranked by general consent, in earliness. yield and quality combined at the head of all the early potatoes. BUKBANK.— Medium late; a prodigious cropper; flesh remarkably white; qnality excellent. DtlV'SIOKE.— A splendid late sort. A greater cropper than the Peerless, which it resembles in form, while far better in quality. Each, per Barrel, $4.00 ; per Bushel, $2.00 ; per Peck, 75 cents. My Illustrated Seed Catalogue free to all applicants. JAMES J H. GREGORY, 10-S-2m] Marblehoatl, Mnss. ART OF PROPAGATION. A couRiae practical work on the rajud increase and mul- tiplication of Block— amply illustrated. Price pre-paid by iiiail.oO cents, PUBLISHED BY Winona, Columbiana Co., Ohio.' SEND FOR IT, AND FOR FREE CATALOGUE. By a special arrangement with the publiBhers, we offer the above work at 4(J cts. per copy. It has received the fa- vorable notice of over lOOn leading papers of the country. Cash to be sent to this office. 9.10 I'. RATHVON. mailed FRER To- all applicants. Itcon.^ tains colored pUle, 500 engravlofta,' at>out 150 pugcs, and full de.^cri[>iio prices and dlrecliona for plaotiQg ovt-. Tarieties of VegcUblo and Flower Seeds, Planta, Roiei, Et«. IfiTkluable to all. fiend for it. Addrasa 1200 D. U. FEBET & CO., Detroit, Uich, No. 221 CHURCH STREET, p. O. BOX, 1*»90 IMPORTERS, BREEDERS and SHIPPERS of THOROUGH-BRED LIVE ST(JCK. Jersey and Ayr- sliire Cattle and Calves, of the richest butter and milk stock. Southdown and Cotswold Sheep and Lambs unsurpassed. Premium Chester White Pigs, York- shire Pius of best importations, (sec cut herewith from life) Berkshire Pigs, (sired by the famous Im- ported Prize Boar, The Collier, and out of other im- ported noted boars and sows), Essex and Poland China Pigs — all of the best Strains. Send for^^elegant new illustrated catalogue. High, Class Laad c& "Water Fo"wls of all varieties. Fowls, Chicks and Eggs for hatching always for Sale at Low Prices, considering the high qual- ity, and reputation of our stock. Also Fancy Pigeons, Thorough-bred and Sportings Dogs. BXJRlPaSE'S I^E-W CA.XAI-OGXJE, and Breeder's Manual is just out ! 2.5,000 copies will be mailed FREE to Farmers and Breed- ers sending us their addresses. It is brimfull, of reliable descriptions, numerous large and handsome cuts from life of our best animals anirec< ions— Take the grater in the left hand, palm towards von. with your third finger through the handle place the'thumb on the spring-lever, remove the feeder auc insert the nut. Price to Agents $1.75 Per Dozen Ooo«l liive Agents Wantetl Everywhere. All orders should be addressed to C B. THOIVIPSON, Mamifacturer's Sole Agent, Also Dealer & Manfr. of Patent NoTelties, &c. BRIDGEWATER CONN. ■ 10-2-4m] 10-2-lm AND Thoroughbred Short-Horn Cattle; Bred and For Sale by the undersigned. OF THE BEST MILKING STRAINS, and at prices to suit the times. Herd open to inspection by strangers at all times (Sundays excepted.) I will be pleased to show my herd to visitors, and any information in regard to the cattle will cheerfully be given, by letter, as desired. in.Wy] A. M. RANK, Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster co., Pa 1878 SPRING ANl) SUMMER. 1878 RATHVON & FISHER'S CHEAP CLOTHING STORE, Cornfr Sortli Qncen and Orange Sts., LANCASTER, PA. Good all wool Business Suits from $12 to $20 Fine Cloth or Worsted Dress Suits, 15 to 20 Fine Cassimere Pants, - - 4 to 10 Fine Vests, - - - - - 3 to B CUSTOM WORK A SPECIALTY, and satisfaction guaranteed. READY MADE CLOTl^ING And Furnishing Goods of aU kinds, very cheap. Cottonades as low as 12.50 a suit. Cloths, Cassimeres, frorstings. Suitings, Coatings and Vestings in a full line, and made promptly to order. KATHVON & FISHER, 1878 PRACTICAL TAILORS. X8VS cfc-l Q Vdavi fTo iinbdcrlliers m 4)1 a I Cctl ■( thecouuty. SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS. To Buhflcrlbers out of ) the county. / $1.00 CONTENTS OF THIS N'^^-:R. :3 te' Money ! Money ! ! Money ! ! ! - Insect Pests, ------ The Cherry Crop, - - - - - Wheat Harvest, ------ Trial of a Self-Binder, - . - - The Tobaoeo Horn-Worm, . - - - The Lancaster Cherry, - - - - Poland China Hogs, - - - - - Reminder for July, . - - - Correction, ------ Queries and Answers, - - - - Correspondence, - - - . - Brighton Grape, - - - - - Our Wheat Crop—//. -V. Engle, The Depredations of Insects— JT. 3f. Engle. Crop Keport — J^eter S. Heist, - - - Setting a Plow— /. G., . - - . The Honey-Bee— HV/i. /. Pylc, Blackberry Causality — /. Stauffer, Revu of June Number — Von HnmboU, - Random Thoughts, No. 2.— A. B. K., - Improper Use of Paris Greeu— A Time to Plant— Those Fniit-Euting Birds— Progressiveuess- Mixing Varieties iu Cultivation. England's Great Farm, ----- 10.5 "luiliortaul Results to the M'orld of the .\gricultural Experimeunts at RothamsteU. The Millers' Convention, ----- 107 OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural and Horticultural Society, - - - 107 Report of Committees— Reports of Standing Com- mittees— New Businesy. Linnsen Society, ------ 108 Historical Collectious— To the Library— Papers Read — Resohitions. Meeting of Fulton Farmers' Club, - AGRICULTURAL. Sowing Rye Among Corn, Drilling Corn, - - - - - Chemical Fertilizers, - - - • The Wheat Crop, - - - - A Wheat Crop Saved by Skunks, - Grass Seed for Mowing Lands, - Dressing Grass Laud with Fish Scraps, Scientific Potato Culture, 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 99 99 99 90 100 101 101 102 103 103 103 101 lOi 10.5 lOS 109 109 109 109 109 109 109 109 How Superphosphate of Lime is Madelnefective, 109 Field Mulching, ------ Error iu Wheat Husbandry, - - - Figs for Fattening Hogs, - - . . HORTICULTURAL. Thinnig Fruit, - - . - ■ - Restoring Old Trees, - - - - - Budding "Roses, ------ Cabbage Grubs, - - - - - Raspberries, ------- Wash for Fruit Trees, Setting Out Strawberries on Parry's System, DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Receipt for Making Currant Wine, Cooking Potatoes, - - . . - 109 109 109 110 110 110 110 110 110 110 110 11 Lancaster Potato Fritters, Aromatic Principles in Milk, The Uses of a Microscope, - Household Receipts, LIVE STOCK. Sheep and Soil, Whipping Horses, - - - Method of Judging a Horse, Fat Horses, . - . - How to Choo.se a Good Cow, Keep Horses Clean , POULTRY. Late Hatched Chickens, - Moscow Pigeons, - - - ■ Condiments in Poultry Diet, Ordinary Hens' Eggs, - - - Oyster Shells for Laying Hens, Literary and Personal, 110 no 111 111 111 111 HI 111 111 111 113 112 112 112 112 112 Railway Threshing Machine proved Itself the "Best at Centennial Trial," and was the only Machine awarded a Centennial Medal AND CERTIFICATE OF MERIT, on both Horse Power and Thresher and Ck-aiier, nt the Centennial Exhibition, as shown by OUlclal Heport, which says : *'Fj Cortlaudt St., New ^ ork 10-6-2m AND FREE HOMES HOW TO GET THEW 'f -'>« *"■•» p»" "^ '^« "*^'' 6.«oo.ooo iiorti '.i-'f sn'.e, F«r & capT of ite " Kitnitaii I'ftOltIo Home. •lead,** aUdreti S. J. iiilmorc, Lui4 Cotn'r, Sftlu», K.ka»>> THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN. |lia |anci^ter |ariiigf M»* D A MONTHLY JOURNAL, DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI- CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND MISCELLANY. PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY Made a promiueut feature, with 8i>tcial reference to the want« of tbe Farmer, the Gardeuer and Fruit>Oro«er. Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Edited ly Prof. S. S. RATHVOIT. The Farmer will be published on the 15th of every mouth, printed on good paper with clear type, in con- venient form for reading and binding, and mailed to 8Ul>- Bcribers on the following TEHMS: To subscribers residing within the oouuty— One Copy, one year, ------ $1.00 Six Copies, one year, - . _ - . _ 5.00 Ten Copies, one year. ------- 7.50 To subscribers outside of L»uoaatcr county, including postage pre-paid by the pxtbhshers: One Copy, one year, - ----- $1.25 Five Copies, one year, . - - - - - 5.00 All BubBcriptious will commence with tbe January num- ber unless otherwise ordered. All communications intended for publication should ba addreswfd to the Editor, and, to secure insertion, should be iu his hands by the first of the mouth of publication. All business letters, rontaiuing subKcriptions and adrer- lisemcuts. should be addressed to the publisher. The Lancahtbu Farmer having completed its ninth year under various \ieissitude8, now commences its teath volume U'lder, it is hoped, more favorable auBi)ices than atteuded its former volumes. When the i>ubliBher of the last two volumes assumed the responsibilities of its publi- cation, it was with a determination to make such improve- ments as would i^lace the farmer's organ of this great agri< cultural coimty iu the very front rank of agrlculturul Jour- nalism. That this has been accomplished we think our readers will bear cheerful testiniouy. If reasou&bly sus- tained, our aim is to make it still more interesting and in- Btructive under ts new proprietorship. In thin, however, we ueed the co-operation of every friend of the enterprise. The contributions of our able editor, Prof. Rathvon, on subjects connected with the Bcieiice of farming, and partic- ularly Ilijit specially of which he iw so thoroughly a master — entomological ecience--i*ome know ledge of which has become a necessity to the auccessful fanner, are alone worth much more than the price of this publication. ICkT-Sm. LINN^US RATHVON, g North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa. RATE.<« OF AnVERTISIXO — Ten Ceiita » line Tor earh InMCrHvn. Twelve lines to the ladi II. THE LANCASTER FARMER. -DEXSfSYI,VASriA I M Trains leave the Dei WE TWARD. CAII.ROAU ot iu this city. Leave Lancaster. 2:40 a. m, 4:50 a. m. 9.35 a. m. 7:20 p. m. 11:20 a.m. 11:20 a. m. 11:20 a. m. 2:10 p. m. 2:15 p. m. 0:00 p. m. 7:20 p. m. 7:25 p. m. 9:25 p. m. 11:30 p. m. Laucaster. 12:30 a. m. 4:10 a. m. 7:35 a. m. 9.28 p. m. 1:20 p. m. 2:00 p. m. 3:05 p. m. B:1S p. m. 5:50 p. m. SC'HEI>rl.E as follows : Arrive Harrisburg. 4:05 a. m. 7:50 a. m. Niagara Express Col. Accommodation, Man train via Mt. Joy 10:40 a. m. Col. 8:00 p. m 1:00 p. m. 1:30 p. m. Past Line". Frederick Accommodation . 3:25 r. m. Col. 2:45 p. m 8:10 p. m. Columbia Accommodation.. Harrisburg Express Pittsburg Express Cincijinati Express' EASTWARD. Col. S:00 p. m. 8:40 p. m. 10:50 p. m. 12:45 a. m. Philadelphia. 3:00 a. m. Philadelphia Expresst Harrisburg Express Columbia Accommodation.. 7:00 a. m. 10:00 a. m. 12:30 p. m. 3:45 p. m. 5:00 p. m. Johnstown Express 6:00 p. m. 7:20 p. m. Harrisburg Accom 9:00 p. m. The Hanover Accommodation, west, connects at Laucaster with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a. m., and will run through to Hanover. The Frederick Acconimodation, west, connects at Lancas- ter with Fast Line, west, at 2:10 p. m., aud runs to Frederick. The Pafilic Express, east, on Sunday, when flagged, wiU stop at Middletown, Elizabethtowu, Mount Joy and Laudis- Tille. *The only traius which run daily. tliuns daily, except Mninlay. Rates of Ailvertisiiig: iu ttie Farmer. 1 mo.... 2 mo.... 3 mo 4 mo 6 m« 8 mo 1 year. 1 in. $1.00 2 00 2.60 3.00 4.60 6.00 9.00 $ 2.00 4.00 4.50 6.60 9.00 12.00 18.00 Sin. $ 3.00 6.00 6.75 9.00 13.50 18.00 27.00 4 iu. 5 4.00 S.OO 10.00 12.00 18.00 24.00 36.00 5 iu. $ 6.00 12.00 13. .'iO 18.00 27.00 36.01 54.00 8 in. $ 8.00 16.00 IS. 00 24.00 36.00 48.00 72 00 C:^~Sj'iecia] and business notices l.'S cents i^er line TO AGENTS. The Century CI art» A 100-year Almauac, whereby you cau ascertaiu what day of the week any day of tlie mouth is or what day of the mouth auy day of the week is, was, or will be, from 1799 to 1900, or iu what day auy eveut has taken place, from 1799 . to 1900, aud 1000 other occurreuoes. The greatest iu- ^ 2 vention of man. Every person will buy one; also the ^ ^ great Egyptian Puzzle. Sport for .all. Either article S 8 sent OD receipt of 25c, post paid, or $1 per dozen. * ^ Agents wanted everywhere. Ladies and Geuts secure your town at oucg. You cau make $20 per w-eek. Send for sample, 9-12-6m] KOO\S BRO'S, Novelty I) akr 1011 aud 102 Washingtou St., CHICAGO CHICAGO, 111. M. HABERBUSH, MANUFACTURER OF Plain and Fine Harness, SADDLES, COLLARS, WHIPS, FLY NETS, &c., ALSO DEALER IN TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS, BUFALO KOBES, Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Grloves, &e., No. 30 Penn Square, lO-l-ly LANCASTER, PA. sk:i:e=lts i Half Dozen for $6.00! SHIRT FRONTS, rs, Haa I.iiieii and I^apor Collars and CiiifN SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER AT E. J. BSISMAN'S, - No. 56 North Queen Street, OPPOSITE INQUIRER PRINTING OFEICE, 9-1-iy P U I- M O N A e beyond comparison tte best remedy for the cure of CON- SUMPTION (EVEN IN ITS MOST ADVAKCED STAGES), .l.sf/tma, BrotichHas. Catarrh, and all derangements of the NERV- OUS SYSTEM. A circular contaiuing particulars of MANX CASES BCCCESSFOLLT TREATED, full adviSB for the treatment of the diseases above mentioned, and certiflcates of actual cures, will be sent free by mail to all applicants. Address OSCAK G.MOSES, Sole Proprietor, IS Cortlaudt Street, NewVork. 9.10-6m THE IMPROVED Sewing Machine 1. — Makes a -perfect lock stick, alike on both sides, on all kinds of goods. 2.— Runs Light, Smooth, Noiseless and Rapid. 3. — DuHAULE— A'««,r for years without Repair. 4. — Will do all varieties 0/ Work and Fancy Stitching in a superior manii'^r. 0. — Is Most Easily managed \iy the operator. Length of stitch may be altered while running, and machine can be threaded without passing thread through holes. 6. — Design Simple, Ingenious, Elegant. Forming the stitch without the use of Cog Wheel Gears, Rotary Cams, or Lever Arms. Hd^s ihc Automatic Drop Feed, which insures uni/ornt length 0/ stitch at any speed. Has our new Thread Controller, which allows easy movement of needle bar and Prevents injury to thread. 7. — Construction moii care/ul j.nA Finished. It is manu- factured by the wr^jj/ ,r,4^/7^K/ (iK(f experienced mechanics, at the celebrated KKMIXGTOX AR.1I<»RY. Ilioii, N. Y. Attention is called to our greatly reduced prices. 8. — The No. 2 Remington Machine for Manufacturing and Family use has been recently improved , and is offered to the public with the assurance that it will give entire satisfaction. ARMORY: ILION, N. Y. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 218 and 283 Broadway, New York lO-2-lYl EVERYTHING FOR THE GARDEN Numbering 175 pages, with Colored Plate, SENT FREE To our customers of past years, aud to all purchasers of our books, either GAEDENING FOE PEOFIT, PEACTICAL FLORICULTUSE, Or GAEDENING FOE PLEASUEE. Price $'.50 each, prepaid, by mail, To others, on receipt of 25c. Plain Plant or Seed Catalogues, ^vithout Plate, free to all. PETER HENDERSON & CO., Seedsmen, Market Gardeners and Florists, 35 Cortlaudt St., N. Y. 9-T-ly] ADVEETISING. $t.O0O WORTH FOR $8X50, The cheapest aud best way to reach readers outside of the large cities is by usiug oue or more of our six lists of over l.OOO newspapers, divided to cover difierent sec- tions of the couHtry. 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Also, if i>08sible, send sample by mail; if too bulky, by freight. Addess HULL & SGOTNEY, GEXERAI, Commission & Shipping IVlerchants, 321 aud 346 Xortli Water Street, 9-11-ly] PHILADELPHIA. We are now selling Hew Pianos for $125 Each, and all styles, including Grand, Square nnd Up* rig-ht. all nen' and strictly (irst-class, at the lowest net casb 1%'boiesale factory prices, direct to the purchaser. No Agents; no commissiens; no discounts. Pianos for 5200, containing MATHUSHSK'S New Patent Duples Overstrung Scale, which is without question the greatest improvement ever put into a Square Piano, producing the most astonishing power , richness and depth of tone, and a sustaining singing quality never before attained.. Uur Uprights are the Jinest in America. Pianos sent on trial. Don't fail to write for Illus- trated and Descriptive Catalogue — mailed free. MENDELSSOHN PIANO CO., 9-7-ly STo. 31 East Fifteenth St., ST. T. A PCWPQ WANTED. 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Single volmnes by mail, postpaid, S3 00. Cloth cases, for biuding, 50 ceuts, by mail, postpaid. A Cuuiplete Analytical Index to the first Fifty Volumes of Hakper's Magazine has been published, rendering availa- ble for reference the vast aud varied wealth of information which coustitutea this periodical a perfect illustrated litera- ry cyclopedia. 8vo, Cloth, $2 00; Half Calf, $5 25. Sent postage prepaid. Subscriptions received for Harper's Periodicals only. yewspapers are not to copy this advsrtisement without the express orders of Harper & Brothers. Address HARPER & BROTHERS. New Yorfe. per 1,000 aud upwards, for Seedlings of Shade and Tunber Trees. A snrpluK of voung trans- planted EVEROREEKS, CONCORD GR.\PK VINES, ETC. Send for Price List. Adi^-ess, J. JENKINS, Grape and Seedling Nursery, $1 10-2-4ma WINOKA, Columbiana County, Oliio. The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., JUT.Y, -1878. Vol. S. No. 7. MONEY! MONEY!! MONEY!!! Those wlio know tlioinst'lvcs iiulcbtcd to u.s, for subscriptions or otlu'rwisti, will pU'a.sc kiiull.y ri'iiU'iiibi'r the printer — his nci'ds arc ahviiys prcssiiii;. .'^c(^ tlic little yellow labels and that will reveal tiiu state of the ca.se, so far as regards subscriptions. INSECT PESTS. In addition to the aphiils, alluded to in an- other article in this number of the Farmer, t heie are other species of insects that are par- ticularly abundant the present season; some of them no doubt uiiavoid.ably so, and others more or less throuiih individual ne^jligence; .sonic ot tliem renicdially accessible, but others virtually unapproachable by a remedy, or near- ly so. Amongst the Coleoptekoits si)ecies (Beetles) we have seldom noticed Macrodaciijl- «i.s xuhsjiuwsus more abundant than it was about the middle of ,Iune. The common names of this liettle are " Cherry-lmg " — "Rosebug," — "June-bug," and sometimes also "Grape-bug," when it happens to de- stroy the grape-bloom ; and we have known it to eirectually do so, and not only the grape, but also the roses and the fruit of the cherry even in large town and villages, as well as the country. It is, however, partial to the elder bloom, and has been so ever since we knew it, and that is fifty years at least. We have sel- dom, as we said before, .seen it more abundant than it has been the present season ; and it has suggested to us the thought that farmers should encourage the growth of a goodly number of elders (i>a»"/ibi(C!(.s ranadctm:i et pu- bens on their farms as attractions for these insects, for their jicriod is limited, and even at this writing (July 4th) many have pas.sed their nuptial season, and by scores are dying. Their larvtr, or "grubs" live under ground and feed on roots, and if it were not that they fall a prey to the jiredaceous species of insects, parasites and small mammals and birds, they would increase beyond calculation and might do an immense amount of injury. In Lancaster City — at least along East Orange street — the " Elm leaf-beetle " (Oale- riica xanthoriwletui.) is very numerous, and at the present moment the larvie are coming dillar " as it is commonly called, (Ilij- jihavtria tcxtor) is also very numerous in some localities, and so far as out c.Kiierience goes, the increase and despoliations of these web- worms are due mainly to neglect. p]arly in the season they may be included in a small cluster covered liy a web, and not as large as a man's fist. If they were then removed and destroyed, the work would be accomplished with very little Labor. But they are permitted to increase in size and extend their domain over a large portion of the trees, and then only do they become formidable and create alarm; another brood of them occurs towards fall. These are claimed by some Entomolo- gists to be a difierent species from those which appear in spring and early summer. It is suf- ficient for the farmer, however, to know that they are both evils that he ought to rid him- self of if he desires good and healthy foliage and fruit. The little spotted "Ermine moth " [Sijilosoma cunea) is of similar habits and character. Clipping oil' the infested leaves and branches and burning them is the best remedy. Fumigations as reconmiended above, or an ignited swab, saturated with coal oil, turpentine, or melted sulphur, at the end ofa long pole and held under them, and not too near to burn the branches, will extinguish them. THE CHERRY CROP. Early iu the season there were apprehen- sions nianifestred that the cherry crop would be a failure, and it was so reiiorted before a meeting of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, b}' one or more of its members. Those members may have been mistaken, or they may have reported the true state of the case as it existed on their indi- vidual farms ; but the cherry crop has been by no means a failure in a very large i)ortion of our county, and many persons now express some astonislmient at these reports, for they allege that they have rarely known the cherry crop to be more abimdant or the cherries of a finer quality than they have been the present season. So far as our personal observation extends we must confess that we endorse these views, for we have been unable to .see the ap- prehended failure, either in the town or the country. Indeed the town crop has turned out to be all that any one could reasonably desire, and many from the country have assured us that their cherries were seldom ever more plentifid or better in (piality. We have no cherry trees of our own, but we are flanked by two neighbors on the north and south wiio hav(!, and judging by their trees, botli ill (luantity and quality, we slioulil record the croi> as "A No. 1." A few robins and other birds visit the trees and devour and carry oft some of the fruit, but they do not seem to murmur at this, for under any cir- cumstances they have enough for theniticlves, their friends and the robins to boot. Wc have specilically mentioned "Cock-Hobin," l*cause recently many complaints have bi^on made against him by very intelligent and inlhicntial parties, but we venture to say that the "Cherry-bird" or "American Wax-wing," de- vours ten cherries to the robin's one, and being more gregarious in its habits, it will "strip" a tree in much less time than the robin. There is one consolation, however, in the fact that these "Cherry-birds" usually only attack the early varieties of cherries. They ajipear suddenly in flocks of from twenty to fifty and make sad havoc with the early cherries, and tlusn as suddenly disjippcar, going apparently farther north or in less fre- quented districts, where they breed and rear their young, and through their absence the late cherries usually escape. But they return again in late summer, when wild cherries, gumberries, cedarberries, &c., are ripe, and then feed on them. The robin, as we have often slated, is, per- haps, as much frugivorous as he is insectivor- ous, but he is also ;f good bird for the pot ; and, therefore, under certain game law limits, he .should be protected; but his reasonable destruction and appropriation should not be arbitrarily prohibited ; and as it is desirable that all game birds should increase in num- bers, let him " multiply and replenish"— let him fatten on your fruits, and then at the proper time pot him, just as you feed, fatten and ))ot your chickens and your pigs. That would solve the problem for a time. This is not, however, uiuiualifiedly mtr sentiment, nor yet our recommendation, but is only sug- gested as an alternative, and in deference to the opinions of some very com|>etent authori- ties, who seem to entertain sentiments ad- verse to the robin. We refer our readers to an article entitled " Kobins' Food," in the July No. of the American Naturalist, WTittcn by David Alkx.vnder Lyle, because we are able to corroborate the greater part of it, which we shall transfer to our columns as soon as seems convenient, if not in the present number. But to return' again to the cherry crop. It is true, we have not visited many districts in the county, but wherever we hav( visited we have found cherries good and iilentiful. We have had them sent to us from the North, the South, the East and the AVcst, and all to the same effect. Mr. John Grossman, from War- wick, brought us throe branches of cherry, each about twenty inches in length, on Wed- nesday morning, June 2lJth, anil these three branches had forty-five fruit spurs on them, all but two of which had clusters of cherries numbering from live to twenty, Ijesides a good many single or in i)airs distributed along the branches. These branches were from two dill'erent trees, both of which were about three feet in circumference, and well laden with fruit. The fruit of the one was red, rather small in size, but yery sweet, and also very clean and healthful, not an aphid appear- ing on it— a seedling. The fruit of the other was of medium size, blacki.«li iu color, some- what tartish, also full of fruit, but full of ajihids — a grafted variety, and not as much exposed as the foi-mer. The first was a slow grower, never failed to bear a good crop, and never was infested with apiiids. The other was a remarkably rapid grower, sometimes failed in an abundant crop and always was more or less infested by 98 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [July, aphids, but they did not seem to dimiuish the quantity of tlie fruit, nor yet materially injure its quality, or retard its growth. The present season the ai>hids were most abundant on the upper branches, the lower ones being com- paratively free from them. We give these items merely for their local value, and not as reflecting the status of the cherry throughout the entire county; but if there has been a total failure anywhere, and from any cause, we have not yet heard of it. In connection with this subject would it not be well for members of societies to qualify their statements more carefully in making their crop reports, and for newspaper reporters to do the same ? The proceedings of our societies are noticed in other places remote from the county, and we confess it is not pleasant to see a failure or a success in Lan- caster county announced abroad of whichfwe are entirely ignorant at home. There are millions ol: cherries almost every alternate year in Lancaster county that are never con- sumed at all, not even by the birds — many of them dry upon the trees or become food for curculios. If farmers were to plant cherry trees here and there on their farms, or along the road- sides, as shade trees for "man and beast," they might hit "two birds with one stone." They would furnish a luxury for the poor, a feast for the birds, and an attraction to many of their insect enemies which now infest their other fruits, and still leave them an abundance for their own use and behoof. WHEAT HARVEST. As we go to press the wheat crop is entirely gathered and housed, and the oat harvest in process — or soon- will be so — of completion. If prices do not utterly break down in the wheat market the results will be greatly to the interest of the farmers, for it is not often that they are blessed with such abundant crops as those of 1878. The two leading novelties connected with the wheat crop in Lancaster county, the present season, were its drill-cultivation and its "raking and binding" attachment to the I'eaping process, involving question of an increase and decrease, both of which are intended to redound to the interest of the farmer, whatever effect they may chance to have upon the interests of others. Of conr.se all in relation to these two features in agricultural economy is not entirely satis- factory to the whole farming community, but they surely are experiments that liave been crowned with as successful an initiation as usually falls to the lot of new enterprises and inventions. Making "two blades of grass to grow where only one grew before, " is certainly a matter of deep interest, botli to the pro- ducer and the consumer, but a contrivance by which one man can perform the labor of live, in the same length of time, may be regarded by a great many as clashing with the interests of the laboring men — provided it even does the work as well, about which there seems to be room for various couflicting opinions. We have witnessed the process of ciiJtwa- tion, which we have noticed in various places in former numbers of The Farmer. The bindiny process we have not witnessed, (arriv- ing on the ground " in time to be too late,") but we .saw the sheaves after they were bound. We confess that we were not as favorably impressed with the compactness and tidiness of the sheaves as we expected to Vie, althougli in this age of rapid conversion and appropria- tion the work may bo sufficient to bear their conveyance to the stack or barn, and fi'om thence through the thresher. The additional power necessary to propel the binding attach- ment, of course, involves the necessity of an additional horse, or horses, and tlierefore the question of economy is one that seems to fluctuate between "mau and beast" — whether it would be cheapest to hire- men or to keep additional horses in a matter that is of so short and special a duration as the wheat harvest has gotten to be. We, however, must confess our latent sympathy in progressive agriculture, and hence, as an illustration of what the self-binder has done, we append the following from the Marietta Times of the 29th instant : Trial of a Self-Binder. On Wednesday last, Mr. T. Frank Evans, of Litiz, this county, agent for McCormick's harvestins machines, had a trial of one of their Self-Binder Harvesters on the Park farm of Col. James Duffy. This is probably the most complete harvesting machine ever invented. The Harvester is the well-knowu and long-tried McCormick machine, which has stood the test of years. The self-binder attachment is attached to it in the place of the binders' stand and platform, they being left off, and a wood frame being first bolted to the Harvester, upon which the automatic binder is placed. The weight of the entire attachment is less than the weight of the binders' platform with two men, that are re- quired for hand-binding on the Harvester. The operai ion of it is very simple, and quickly understood by any farmer. The material used for making the bands is No. 20 annealed wire, and is furnished to the farmer, wound on spools that contain about twenty pounds each. Two of these spools are required to run each machine, and from two to four pounds of wire — according to the heaviness of the straw, and the size of bundles made — will bind an acre of grain. The binding is done much tighter than can possibly be done by hand, and the sheaves are much evener and easier to handle ; fewer of them come vm- loosed, and in stacking they make a much nicer stack than any hand- bound grain. These bands can be removed before threshing by patent shears, that are made for that purpose, so that not one of them need be left in the straw ; but most fiirmers cut them with a sharp hatchet, and let them pass through the machine. All threshers say that the wire does not injure the machine, and the grain is easier to handle and thresh than hand-bound grain. The mode of compressing the sheaf enables them to bind much tighter than can any other machine, and thus the farmer uses less wire ; and also leaves his grain in better shape. The manner in which the binder de- livers the sheaf on the ground is a strong point in its favor ; each bundle pushing the previous one off the table, causes it to drop easily upon the ground, and thus avoids shell- ing, where the grain is dead ripe ; and the sheaves are left in a continuous straight Une, butts forward. The machme cuts nice and clean, leaving little or no straw behind it on the ground to be raked up. It is a great labor-saving in- vention, the binder doing the work of Ave men. The trial on Wednesday was very suc- cessful, and Mr. John Staufler, Colonel Duffy's farmer, was very much pleased with its work- ings. Col. Dufly has a ten-acre fteld of wheat near the Cemetery, which is very much tan- gled aud fallen, which he will cut with this machine next week. A trial between this machine and the Os- borne came off on the farm of Jacob Swarr, near Qaarryville, on Thursday, when the McCormick came off victorious. A letter from Mr. Evans says that Mr. Swarr decided in favor of the McCormick, and bought the machine. THE TOBACCO HORN-WORM. A Virg;ini.a correspniKlent of the American Juin/irr writes as follows : There is a diversity of opinion with growers of tobacco concerning the tobacco lly ; some contend that worms produced from the first deposit of eggs made by the fly each year, about the first of July, and spoken of by planters as tlie first glut, when full grown, descend into the soil, and change to flies in time to make the deposit of eggs which produce the second glut of worms which appear during the full moon in August. Others believe that the worms produced by the deposit of eggs made in July, when fully grown, de- scend into the soil and there remain until time to make the first deposit of eggs the following July, and so of the second glut. I belong to the second-class theorists, aud thought that a case of such practical importance should be reduced to a test. Accordingly, on the 18th day of July of last year, I put into a box filled with soil one full grown horn- worm, 'and on the 24th inst. I put into the same box three others of full size, and placed the box in a sh.aded place, leaving the top suflieiently open to admit the rain to keepthe soil in the same condition as to moisture as other soil ; thus giving the worms, as', near as ^possible, the same chance they would otherwise have had to undergo transformation. Upon examination at different times I found them changing rapidly, the worms soon assuming a brown color and chrysalis state ; and on the morning of the 21st of August following, upon examination, found one full-winged fly ready for work and one in the chrysalis state, which in a few days would have be- come a fly, and two others which had perished in the chrysalis state ; from which I infer that many of them die in passing through the change. From this experiment it appears that the tobacco horn-worm undergoes transform.ation in about one month. Is not this rapid transformation peculiar to this species of fly or worm, and worthy of further investigation ? Will not some entomologist enlighten us concerning this matter ? Now for the practical bearing of the question : Since having ascertained hy experiment that the worms produced by the first deposit of eggs, when they have attained a full size, are transformed to fuU-winged flies in one month, is it not very impor- tant that all of the first glut of worms be killed? Because by so doing we effectually prevent the second deposit of eggs, which produces the second swarm of worms, which are the most destructive, as they prey upon the leaves which remain upon the stalk of the plant after it is topped. By exterminating as many of these as possible from year to year, and by also killing the fly pro- duced by the worms which escape our vigilance, we may in time get rid of a pest which is vexatious, expensive and most damaging to our tobacco crops. If any of our readers entertain the same doubts, or are troubled about the identity of the tobacco worm, (we believe the Southern name of "Horn-worm" should be adopted by our tobacco growers, as it is known uow that different kinds of worms infest the tobacco plant,) we would respectfully refer them to our essay, commencing on page 37, March number of The Lancaster Farmer for 1877. And they will also particularly bear in mind that there are two distinct species, at least, of these "Horn-worms." One comes much earlier than the other, and this one also attacks the tomato, tlie potato, the egg-plant and other solanaceous vegetation. This species (Sphinx caroliim) we have captured as early as the middle of June in the winged state. The other species (Sphinx quinqiiemaculala,) confines itself almost exclusively to the to- bacco plant uide.ss no tobacco is accessible, and then it will also attack the potato and to- mato. But in Lancaster county, at least, there is only one brood during the year of either of them, although the appearance often is that it is otherwise. But this aiipearance is owing to the fact that the adult female moths do not deposit all their eggs in one day, nor yet in one week, or perhaps in one month. They feed and deposit their eggs in the eve- uinsjor at night, and only a few here and there on the plants at a time. These eggs hatch out the worms at difl'erent times, and these times may also differ from the different periods of de- position, owing to varied surrounding circum- stances or meterological contingencies, and hence thei'e may appear to be a dozen or more different liroods during the summer. Those that feed on the honey of the "Jimson-weed" can be destroyed by poisoning the honey of that plant, but those that come before that plant is in l)loom cannot be cajitured in that way, but may be struck down with a paddle or be captured with a hand-net attached to the end of a i>ole. THE LANCASTER CHERRY. We had hoped to be able to have published in this number of The Farmer a regular de- scription of this cherry, with an illustration of the same, but the time w'as too short to secure a cut properly representing it. By refei'ence to the proceedings of the last meet- ing of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society it will be perceived that Mr. Daniel Smeych, of Lancaster city, ex- hibited a cherry which he had raised from the seed, and as it had grown on an unusual place on his premises, without his own planting, he had familiarly called it the " Bird Seedling," 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 99 meaniiij; that the seed may liave beoii carried thither by a bird ; at all events, that it was purely accidental. Notliiiig is known ol' its origin lieyond this apiiarenlly siioiitaneous production of it ; but the whole society united in their approval of its line size and color, hut more especially of its super-excellent (piality. No fruit of the kind luid come under tlie observation or e.xperienc'e of any of the mem- bers that excelled it. As we iiitend to pub- lish an illustrated description of tin; tree, the foliaj^e and the fruit, we neetl now only say that the berry is large, red in color, and the pulp very juicy and luscious to the taste, and we hope to see it extensively cultivated, as it deserves to be. far above tlie average, yet tlicrc is room for iniprovenienl in many herds. — W. Atlcc Bur- 2JU, rialailelphia. POLAND CHINA HOGS. Poland Chinas, like the Chester Whites, are a native breed of swine, and being jiroduced by careful and judicious selection from a number of crosses of foreign blood they are now so developed that they claim a front rank among all our breeds of swine. They are ex- tremely popular in the West and South, where they are extensively bred for market, while in the East thej- already have many admirers and arc gaining friends every year. Many hogs of this lirecd were inclined to be coarse and large boned, but by careful selection of REMINDER FOR JULY. In TiiK MiiiDi.K Statics, this, like June, is a month of labor in the garden. Weeds are in raiiid growth, jilants are to set out, seeds saved, and various matti^rs require attention. Heans, i)lantfor succession. I5ects, the Long Blood and Sugar; also Mangold Wurzel may be planted for stock, as late as first of .Inly. .June is, however, much better. Heets, for late Winter and Spring use, may now be sown. Cabbage, i)lant. The Winter sorts of Cabbage should now be planted out ; where many are to l)c transplanted it is i)ro|)er to await a suitable time— a heavy rain or showery weather ; l)ut in a small garden Cabbages may be transplanted almost at any season, by earful watering, and, if need be, shading. Celery, plant. Endive, sow. Peas, a few may be sown; they seldom do well at this season. Turnips, sow. — LandrctlVs Bu. Baj. General Suogestions. — The " heated term" is upon us with its activities, affluence of vegetation, and possibilities of acute illness. Now the plainest food, with an abundance of good fruit, fresh from the bushes ami tree.s, flies, and not keep out tlie fresh air and sun- shine. ]{ud your frHil trees; allow no vines or fruit trees to overbear. Use the liosc vig- orously; allow no weeds to go to seed. Don't drink ice-water. It is injurious. Tlio cook who pours water upon her tire while slie is getting dinner, knows that the potatoes in tlie pot will-stop boiling, and the meat in the oven will not be lit for food. The .same re- sults from deluging the stomach with ice-' water. The (irocess of digchtion will be ar- rested, and will not be resumed until th(^ water is raised to the temperature re(piired to carry it on again. CORRECTION. Office OF Pen'n'a Boahu of Aiiiirri-LTURE, } IlAKUiHiiuiKi, I'A., July 3rd, 1878. S Editor Lanmxtcr Farmer: In a recent num- ber of The Pausiek, in the reimrt of the ac- tion on the fence law, at tiie late meeting of our Board, I am reported as having said : "The value of the fences in this State amounts to over STi),l)(J0,0OO, and that it reciuired a dollar's worth of fence to keep a dollar's worth of stock in idaee." This is an error of S!l0U,tJ00,OO0. AVhat I did say was this : "The average of the whole fariri land of the State (Pennsylvania) sliows that the fences cost at the rate of $1,124.2.5 to each one HAmf^iSifj breeding stock they have been so improved that now they can be procured nearly as line as the Berkshire, with small bones, (compared with size of Ijody), line skin, and ears so thin that the light will shine through them. They grow to very large size, and when well bred, as we have just described, fully illustrate that adage that while a " good little pig is good, yet a good big pig is better." They are of great length of body and easily fattened at any age ; good mothers and free breeders. In color they vary from almost solid black to ■white, with a few black siilashes. The color generally most approved is l)lack with white splashes over the body, as shown in the ac- companying flue illustration of a Poland China boar. In concluding, we would only say that this breed of hogs and the Chester Whites, both being originated by American farmers, are naturally well suited to our needs, and should become so generally distributed as to drive all mongrel, "hazel splitters," long-snouted, long-lesged hogs out of the county. It is a wonder to us liow some farmers can be so "penny wise and pound foolish " as to longer breed the ordinary pigs which are found in so many sections of the countrj'. While the swine of Lancaster and Chester counties are should be eaten. Vegetables arc coming in freely, and are delicious if rightly served. To- matoes and corn are now in order. Of all the soups in the world, there is no better one for this season than the simple "Potato .souji." See " Ilygeian Home Cook Book " for recipes of a cliaracter appropriate to the season. Parsnips are delicious if stewed until slight- ly browned and served in their own juices. Parsnips v.s. pills for constipated bowels. If the weather is opjiressively warm, a sponge bath every morning will be found refreshing and strengthening for the day's work. If the baby have grijies or colic, put a warm wet cloth, covered with a dry one, around its ab- domen, and don't crowd its stomach. A word with reference to entertaining com- pany. If you prefer the methods of hygiene, and practice them in your family, don't be ashamed to carry them into effect when you have guests. Don't ])laj' an inconsistent, false part liefore your children — otherwise yon will be to blame for their errors and perversi- ties in dietetics. What the parents cat, the children will crave. Home life should be much out-of-door life this month. Plan work as much as jiossi- ble to be done out of doors. Have nettings to doors and windows so as to keep out the hundred acres, or 9.55 rods at 81.15 per rod, making the total fences of the State cost 8170,- 8:54,404, enclosing an area of 16,374,041 acres. By the same data it would seem that our JVationiiJ fences cost the country 81,747..54!t,- 'J'M. or that in round numbers the value of our National live stock, the cost of our fences and our interest-bearing National debt may be represented liy nearly the same figures, or in other words, it requires 6ne dollar's worth of fence to keep one dollar's worth of farm stock in its proper place. " — Respcctfidh/, Tlins. J. Edijf, Secr'i/ I'tHnsylvaniU State Board of Agricidiurc. QUERIES AND ANSWER. "Danaus Archippes." To Master Willie F. Connell, corner of Lime and Lemon streets, Lanca.stcr, Pa. The beautiful green cylindrical object, with gold- like .si)ots, which was sent to me for examina- tion, is the chrysalis of the " Danaus archiji- jK.s," a large reddish-brown butterfly, with black body, feet, and antennic (or horns) and many small white spots upon it. The cater- pillars are greenish, and traver.sely striped with l1, April unnilier of The Lan- f.\STEit Faumer, we save illustratiou.s aiul description of this excellent and beautiful grape, which is rajiidly coniiuj; into jiopnlar favor ; and in order to enliance that descriji- tion and convey a belter idea of its size and form, both in relation tf) the berry and to the cluster, we superadd to our former notice a cluster of the natural size. We have very little more to add to our former description, except that the expectations of its patrons are in process of a satisfactory rcalizat ion, and it is meeting with an increased lU^niand. There is one consideration we may, however, be justified in re- peating in this place, and that is Us earlij rijinung. Whether it is grown for home con- sumiition or for the domestic market, an early fruit is al- ways most relished and must Iirolital)le, whatever llic kind or (piality may be. Early fruit always commands the best price, and is rarely if ever subjected to that compe- titive glut of the market, which the later varieties often encounter. Those who have grown the " Hartford Pro- lific" know how that variety compares with otiier jiopular varieties in regard to the time of ripening, and the Uriijlitoti. runs parallel with the Hart- ford in that respect. Grown and for sale by Ed- ward .1. Evans & Co., York, York county, Pa. A cross between the C'oncord and Diana IlAMiintc, remark- ably perpetuating the good finalities of the parent varie- ties. Price — One year old, $1.00 ; two years old, $1.50, by mail, including postage. *OUR WHEAT CROP. There was a time in the history of our country when this cereal was of less import- . ance than now ; when tlie poorer classes considered wheat too expensive for daily consumption ; wlien rye en- tered largely, and with some almost exclusively, into their daily fare. That day has gone l)y, as the great majority of the poor as well as the ri<-h would consider it beneath their dignity to eijt rye bread. This feeling also pervades the older countries to a great extent. Not only is wheaten Hour required, but the best article that can lie had, by all that can afford it, and liy many who hardly can. The vast amount which is exported annually, be- sides tliat ('onsumed at home, has stimulated wheat growing in the West to an unsual de- gree; in fact, to such an extent that an East- ern farmer with his high-priced laud can no longer compete with his brother on his cheap virgin soil. A crop like the present one will, however, go far toward comitensating the Eastern farmer, provided prices do not run too low. Wheat being properly termed the "Start' of Life,"' it is of the utmost importance that farmers should endeavor to secure regular crops and market them in the best possible condition. It is but a few years since the question of wheat culture was discussed be- *Read before the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, July 1, 1S78, by H. M. Engle. fore this society, when the sentiment prevailed that we ("tn no longer grow such wlieat crops as om- fathers did, and iu addition, that Lan- caster county Hour does not stand so high iu the city markets as foinicrly. This season's crop has dissipated the former notion com- pletely, since tlie present is probaljly the larg- est that this county and no doubt the largest that this State has ever produced; and as to quality, with the improved machinery, that can be more than regained, ])rovided we han- dli! our harvest as our fathers did tlieirs. This brings up a (piestiou which must be fully and squarely met in order to decide the matter. In the days of our fathers harvesting was more laborious, in the absence of the labor- saving macliinery which is brought to the re- lief oif the farmer now. Population then was more sparse, which made the force for har- vesting not equal to the emergency, as now; consequently, the harvest would be entered as early as it wmild possibly allow, and sel- dom was any hauling off done before all was cut and set in shocks, and a large i)roi>ortion was cajiped. By this custom wheat stood in shocks l^rom one to three weeks, subject to wliatever rains might fall during that time. Those were the days of that excellent flour whose decadence many at present bemoan, and strange that they cannot see the cause of it. The present custom is well known. With his im]iroved mac'lnnery the farmer can wait to suit himself, then cut his harvest in a few days, and he is then readv to haul it off. He generally waits until it is fully rijie before cutting, so as to avoid rains; thus there are but a few days between cutting and hauling; in many cases it is even left lay in the hot sun so as to dry more quickly. As the tiuestion of early or late cutting is .still a mooted one, and as one of the members of this society read an essay at oiu: hist monthly meeting taking tlie side of late cutting, I do not feel like letting his theory and arguments stand forth as the sentiments of this entire society. When he says that wluat should Ik; cut as soon as it passes from tlie milky to the doughy state, I fully agree willi him, but when ho says that it should be so ripe that it may Ixf hauled to stack or into the barn so .stion as in sheaf, then I emphatically dissent; for wlien it is cut just as it luw pas.sed the milky state, it requires from three to live days of fair weather to dry snfliciently for gathering in. Of course, if it is left lie in tiie swath or bunch to dry before binding, the ca.se is quite difl'eiint, but the farmer can take no surer method to injure the quality of his wheat tlian to cut it in tile doughy slate, and let it lay in the hot sun to dry quickly. Now, as to the reasons for tlic llicory of early cutting: 1st. When cut as it reaches the doughy state, the bran is thin and clastic, and can be separated more closely from the Hour ; when dead ripe the bran be- comes thicker .and more brit- tle, and cannot jiossibly be 8e))arated s o well without being cut by the burrs, and a portion will iiass through with the Hour. 2nd. In addition to the Hour being finer from the early cut wheat it will also be increased iu (luaiitily in consccpienee of the bran being lighter than when dead ripe, for in the latter case more Hour will have to bo carried off with the bran in order to make Hour that will stand inspec- tion. :!iil. The great saving of wheal which is otherwise lost by shelling in the Held from being over ripe. 4tli. The s;iving of room by binding and packing more closely than when dead ripe. All these advantages will more than overbalance the risk of its getting wet, and consequently more diflicult to dry than wlien fully ripe, which seems to be the strongest argument iigainst cutting it early. The essayist referred to says, harvesting wheat too green will cause it to lose in weight as well as in flavor, but I claim that it is not too green when in its doughy state, and will no more shrivel than corn, when cut off and .set in shock iiarlially green, but either will shrivel some if cut young and laid down in the iiot sun for one day, while that same wheat or corn may not shrivel a particle if set to- gether, butts down as soon as cut. I The above essayist says further, " the pre- mature gathering of any vegetable substance interferes with its maturity, and whatever injures its growth injures its taste,'' and refers as an argument to the ])eac!i, cherry and gooseberry, which is not a fair compari- son ; but let "it pa.ss. AVc will take com, which comes nearer to wheat, and let him an- swer how much flavor green corn will gain by lettin;j( it get ripe, and as be has comparetl wheal with fruits, of wliieh he is not ignorant, he must admit that nine-tenths of the pears improve in (piality by house-ripening, and apples in nearly as great proportion, and neither will lose a fraction in bulk or weight, when full grown. To carry the comparison further, I would ask how much would peas, snap beans and cucumbers improve in (juality by letting their seed get fully ripe, or how would cabbage, Ijeets, turnips or asparagus be reli.shed after their seeds are fully ripe ; but enough of this. 102 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [July, In discussing this question of wbeat, it is not considered from a hygienic, but from a popular standpoint, for it is the candid belief of the writer that it would contribute largely to the health of mankind if all who eat bread would include the bran or at least a large proportion thereof. I believe, further, with a writer on hygiene, in referring to the folly of mankind for separating their wheat and feed- ing the best part to their pigs and the rest to their children. From a popular standpoint, however, I am just as confident that early cutting and proper curing of wheat will make a finer flour and more of it, than when cut over-ripe, and that one of the prime causes of so much inferior flour being huckstered throughout the country is owing largely to the custom of letting it get over-ripe before cutting, as also from too rapid drying after it is cut. Another mistake is that of putting it in stack or barn to dry, which leaves it harsh and brittle, as all good millers know, and many of them will sprinkle or by some method dampen such wheat before grinding, if they wish to make a good grist of Hour. Another fact is well established ; wheat that gets a good rain while standing in shocks will be improved in its quality for making fine flour. The wheat crop of 1878 deserves more than a passing notice, as it is estimated the largest in the history of this country, or, perhaps, of the world. It it rather early to be too positive of such a conclusion, but present indications point strongly that way. Should such pros- pects be realized, prices must certainly dechne to a figure below which it can be produced without loss to the farmers, and of which they should not complain, as they have for several years reaped fair crops at full prices, and have been less affected by the panic than any other of our industrial classes. From what the writer can learn, there is a strong disposition among farmers generally to thresh out and sell off their wheat crop as early as possible, in order to realize the best prices. This advice is given generally by agricultural journals, and may not be out of place as a rule, but there are two sides to this, as well as to most other questions. We may, or rather we will not be likely to see such a general good wheat crop for a time at least, and possibly another year may bring with it quite an off'et to this bountiful crop, which would be nothing unusual. With these possibilities would it not be better not to rush off too large a proportion of the present crop at once V Should there be only a moderate foreign demand it will have to remain in the country at any rate, and would it not always be better for the producer as well as for the consumer if the greater proportion of the sur- plus was held by the farmer instead of by speculators V It would certainly prevent the sudden fluctuations, which are so common when any article of commerce is largely in the liands of tlie latter. In reference to future crops, I would like to dissipate the prevailing notion that we can no longer raise wheat crops, such as our fathers did. That the seasons have much bearing upon our success or failure to raise good crops I fully admit, but we also know that the Su- preme Ruler lias adjusted she laws of nature in such a manner that they do not prove strictly uniform each season, and that our forefathers' efforts to raise wheat were subject to these same irregularities, and they had no special advantages over us except a larger proportion of virgin soil ; but one thing we had better keep in mind is, there has been scarcely a season in a score of years that there were not some fields of good wheat, even in a year of general failure, which should teach us this lesson, that the cause of om' failure is not altogether owing to climatic influences ; either our fields were not in proper condition, or our seed was not all right, or something else within human control was wanting. No thanks to him who raises good crops in favorable seasons, but he who always or gen- erally succeeds in raising fair to good crops when all around him fail ; it is he who deserves credit for overcoming the obstacles which have caused failm-es with his neighbors. Such instances may be seen all over the country, not only applicable to wheat, but to other crops as well. Now, if our soil is to some extent exhausted for tlie purpose of raising certain crops, and we make efforts to extract therefrom what is notin it, we deserve failure, since we have access to fertilizers which con- tain the necessary ingredients to mature any crop we wish to raise. All that is required is to ascertain what is lacking therein, and apply such deficiency, and we may just as well put ourselves squarely down to some process of this kind; for bountiful mother earth will not be cheated of her just dues without giving us fair notice when we tax her too heavily. THE DEPREDATIONS OF INSECTS.* I am at a loss to understand why this sub- ject was not assigned to the Entomologist of the Board, whose greater ability to treat it satisfactorily no one will question. That all the tillers of the soil should be more familar with their insect enemies and friends will no doubt bo conceded, but to select as your essay- ist one who has given this matter so little at- tention seems altogether out of place, and he trusts that all errors in his attempt to dis- charge the duty assigned him will be over- looked. This subject is so extensive that even a practical entomologist could not in one short essay do more than merely enter the threshold thereof. It has been recently stated by some writer upon the subject that the value of crops destroyed in the United States by insects would in five years pay our Kational debt. I have no data from which to verify the correctness of this estimate, but would readily concede it to be within bounds, for their name is "legion, " and their number, if not incalculable, is at least incomprehensible. We simply refer to a few of our insect enemies, and will mention them by their common names, because of our inability to Latinize them. By the most prominent we do not wish to be understood as meaning the largest, for the greatest dam- age is often done by the very minute insects, and it is their very minuteness that tends to so much indifterence on the part of many whose crops frequently sufier largely from their depredations. If all destructive insects were as large and did their work as openly as the Colorado beetle, or the Rocky Mountain grasshopper, their ravagas would be more determinedly counteracted. Tlie latter, however, we hope will never cross the Allegheny Mountains. Of all farm crops grown in this country grass is estimated of greatest value, and has at least in this section of the country but few insect enemies. The wheat crop, however, we may consider of greatest importance, and this has in some seasons been greatly injured by the ravages of insects, and by none more than by the Hessian fly. Although a foreign intruder, it has found its way into almost every State in the Union, and the worst feature of the case is that thus far there has been no effective remedy found to destroy them, or scarcely to counteract their ravages. Late sowing is advocated to prevent its multiplica- tion rapidly, but this remedy very frequently amounts to little, for when it is on hand, only an unfavorable season for its reproduction will keep it in check. It has been claimed by some that it multiplies rapidly in wheat that grows up between harvest and seeding time. The Field Weevil formerly curtailed the wheat crop largely in some sections, and the only counteracting remedy seems to be the sowing of varieties of wheat that mature early. In some parts of the United States the chinch bug is very destructive to wheat, as well as other crops, but our State has suffered but little, if any, from this enemy. Indian corn is almost entirely exempt from insect depredations, if we except the "cut worm" in its early stages. This enemy sometimes *E9say read by H. M. Kngle, of Lancaster, before the State Board ot Agriculture, makes great havoc, but fall plowing in this liititude is generally a preventive. The Colorado beetle is one of our most im- portant insect enemies, yet it may to some extent prove a "blessing in disguise," since the application of Paris green is all that is necessary to keep it fully under control. I trust I will not exaggerate by saying that we now raise better crops of potatoes, as they re- quhe closer attention than formerly. They are also planted at more appropriate seasons, i. e., early and late, instead of mid -season, as was often the case heretofore. The applica- tion of fertilizers with Paris green, such as gypsum, lime, ashes, &c., also has a tendency to improve the crop. The Green Cabbage Worm has been very annoying as well as destructive for several years, and requires close attention to keep the crop uninjured. Various remedies have been applied against them, but withal there is mucli loss from their ravages. Wood ashes, quick lime, salt, bran and other ingredients have been applied with more or less effect, but in our experience not altogether with satisfac- tory results. Pieces of board or lath placed between the rows, a few inches from the plants, will attract the worm to pass its chrysalis state, and many can be captured in that way, but more will escape. Hand-picking is a certain remedy so long as the cabbage is small, but very tedious and uncertain when heading. For several year past I liave paid boys a certain price for all cabbage moths cap- tured on my grounds. This season I offered a penny apiece for all captured before the first of May I invested about two dollars, since which time I have seen very few. I think that the brood that survived the winter was almost entirely destroyed, and scarcely a sign of worms can thus far be seen. 1 consider it the best preventive and most satisfactory method that I have yet tried. The Striped Cucumber Beetle is one of the most provoking of all insect enemies; not that the crops which they destroy are of so much Talue — except melons in some sections — but they often come so suddenly and in such num- bers that a lot of plants, be they ever so promising, are frequently destroyed in less than twenty-four hours. After once attacking the plants they are not easily driven away by any application ; but they may occasionally be prevented by dusting the plants with slaked lime, wood ashes, or even road dust. Our latest and most effective remedy is the same as for the Colorado beetle, i. e., Paris green applied in advance of their attack. As regards insect depredations upon fruit crops, the Codling Moth and Curculio are most prominent. The former, perhaps, de- stroys more fruit than all other insects com- bined; not that the Curculio is less destructive in its way, but because apples are more gen- erally grown in our country than any other fruit. The Curculio also attacks pip in the absence of stone fruits, while on the other hand the Codling Moth also propagates its kind in stone fruits. The latter operates only at night, and many can be destroyed by placing a light over a tub of water, or filling jars or wide-mouthed bottles with sweetened water, and hanging them on the trees, but some friends as well as enemies will be cap- tured by these methods. Many of the larvie may be destroyed by tying hay-bands, can- vass or old clothing around the stems of fruit trees, in which the larvoe will seek shelter to pass the chrysalis state. These must be re- moved and burned, or the larvffi crushed not less than once in 12 or 14 days, commencing not later than the 1st of June. By picking wormy and fallen fruit continually, or having stock in the orchard that will eat it, a large portion of the larvae will be destroyed, which would otherwise multiply rapidly. For the destruction of Curculio there are many methods advocated, but thus far none well established except the jarring system, properly and regularly attended to. The hanging of corn-cobs, saturated with coal tar, upon the trees, is claimed to keep off the enemy, but I have noticed this season upon a neighbor's 1878.J THE LANCASTER FARMER. 103 plum tree where the "httlcTurk" lias left liis "crescent" (iiiite close to the saturated cobs. The most plausible method, aside from jarring, would seem to be the burnini; of coal tar, turiientine, pitch, or any other substance under the trees that will make a sooty smoke, wliieh adheres to the foliage and fruit. This luethod. repeated as the rains w'ash away the iioot, is claimed to be an elTectual remedy. Caterpillars are very destructive some .sea- sons amouK fruit and other trees, and we be- lieve no etfectual remedy has thus far been devised except by destroying the eg^^s, which we lind deposited in crotches of tlie trees and branches, and covered with a white web. If neglected at this stage the next best remedy is to follow the trees and destroy the nests in the first, stages of development, which may be done with a pole with some sort of swab on the end saturated with coal oil. The familiar Rose 15ug (by .some called ".Tune bug") has been very annoying some seasons by destrying the foliage of some trees, more especially the cherry. Birds or domes- tic fowls seem to have no relish for it, though it is easily cajitured. One of the easiest methods of destruction is to shake or jar the trees on a cool morning and trample the insect under foot. The various Species of Aphis do far more injury to trees and plants than the casual oli- server hiiagines, as they operate under as well as above ground and their capacity to multi- ply with almost incredible rapidity, makes them a very prominent enemy. Wherever they can be reached, however, the smoke or liquor of tobacco is sure death to all of them. Leaf-IIoppers, or Thrip, as they are general- ly termed, play an important part in injuring the foliage of trees and shrubliery, and espe- cially of the grape. Occupying the under side of the leaf, and as the mature insect will fly, it is very diflicult to destroy them or even kee]) them in check. A dry season seems to be favorable to their operations. These are some of the insect enemies that are quite conunon and figure largely in reduc- ing and in many instances entirely destroying the brightest prospects of the farmer, and yet how few, comparatively, of the tillers of the soil who think it worth while to make them- selves acquainted with the habits of these their certain enemies. If those directly interested in this matter would apply part of the time de- voted to severe mus('ular labor to the study of entomolgy, their success would be more cer- tain, witli less wear and tear both of body and mind. CROP REPORT.* Our report of the crops in Warwick and vicinity is about like the average reports from other parts of the county. All crojis are good, except corn, which has .so far not shown tliat jirogress it usually makes bj' this time in the season. There are a few fields that may be called good, none very good, still with proper weather it may yet make an average yield. Hay and wheat were never better, at least in Warwick and Manheim townships, both in quantity and quality. The average yield of hay is from two to two and a half tons per acre, and is so plenty that farmers are com- pelled to seek for buyers at from ten to fifteen dollars per ton. ]Many slacks were made and buildings filled that were not tilled for years. The new grass crop is also excellent. AVheat is a full crop, both as to (puility and (piantity. The Clauson and Amber have done well, per- haps the best. Harvest has fairly commenced and one week of fair weather, such as last week, will see most of the wheat gathered, and will be one of the best and largest haiTests for many years in Lancaster county. Oats will also be a good crop, from jiresent appearances ; the straw will be long and stilf, and the heads full and perfect, but is a little back yet, hardly come to the turning point, or yellow color. ♦Read by Peter S. Reist twfore tho meeting of the Lan- caster CouDty Agriciiltaral and Horticultural Socitty, July Ut, 187S, Kye is well filled, the straw fine and flexible, and is good in every respect. Potatoes are good ; some nearly ready to take up. The bugs have not been very injuri- ous this season. Cherries were in abundance and cheap, but, on account of wet weather, were soft. Peaches promise a good crop. Strawberries were also in abundance and perfect. IJlackberries atul rasi)berries appear to promise a good yield of good fruit. Tobacco is only middling ; some patches are forward while others are backward. The roots are all'ected with what some call "black roots," but it is rather early yet to say much concerning this crop. 5 yi^iiXgaa. For The Lancaster Faumku. SETTING A PLOW. There is a great deal in the setting and sharpening of a plow to make it work easy for the plowman, and hardly one out of ten is set properly. 1 plowed many years, when I was young, with great fatigue, and bad sore arms every night. But now I sharpen my own plows and have a blacksmith shop on my farm, and can jilow with ease. The way jilows are usually set is, as shown in Fig. 1, with the point of the nose about two inches wide. It runs well enough for a while, but then, after plowing some time, it fails to take furrow enough. You then regulate it on the clevis, or on ilie beam. After this it goes a little better, but soon you will have to regu- late more, but still find that the plow wants to go in the old furrow, and you must hold it all the timestraight, and the duller the plow gets the harder yon must hold, and the land sideof your plow- share becomes like a sleigh run- ner, pointing out of the land, as shown in Fig. 2. Of course, then you take your plow to the smithshop to get it sharpened, and you tell the blacksmith to give it a little more land, when he will set it as shown in Fig. 3. But the smith gives it too much land in the beginning, and when about half dull it is about the same as it was before. lie should have put in no "groove," as it drives it out too far. I set my plows as shown in Fig. 4. I make the point of the nose only three-quarters of an inch wide, but a little thicker than usual, in order to give it strength ; then at the point of the wing of the share I bend it out, and then in again about the one-third of the length of the point, so as to come in a line with th(' hind end of the land side, when I hold a rule on it. I make the hollow i)lace from one-half to three-quarters of an inch; you can see it by the line marked rule. If a plow is set in this way it will not have too much land at first, and will have enough until it is dull. The bottom I make straight, excei)t where hard, dry land is to be jilowed. If I have a ]ilow that is ai)t to run too shallow I give it a little "drawtli." Thi' point soon gets round and as sharp as a needle, and when the plow i;ets to run too shallow 1 lay a stone under the jioint near the end. and take a hammer and knock it down a little once in a while. When it becomes dull, it is as shown in figure .">. I do not make the jioint as hard as usual, so that it will not break when I knock it down. It is 'better to have tlie point a little softer than nstial for this purpose. Of cour.se they wear out faster, but if it is so very hard it is apt to break in knocking it down, and must be sharpened sooner than when left .soft. Plows set in this manner will run steady, and arc easily guided. When hard and dry ground is to be plowed this arrange- ment is necessaiy, but when the soil is wet and loose, it does not make much difference how a plow is set. I have used different kinds of plows, and found that all of them run bt'st when set in the manner I have de- scribed. At present I have in use the Root Plows. On coarse gravel, or on land full of small stones, it makes a dill'erence almost a« distinct as that Itetween day and night, with the same jilow. Plows set in the old manner iinist be held hard all day, anil even a strong plowman will have sore arms at night, and :« to boys of fourteen or sixteen, it is impossilile for tluun to manage the plow so as to make good work. But it is verj' diflicult for a far- mer, who has no blacksmith shop of his own, to get his plows set in this manner, at least 1 found it so. I have sometimes taken plows to the blacksmith shop, and have told the smith how 1 wanted to have them set. But when I was aw.ay, and he went at the work of sharpening and setting, he .seemed to have forgotten all about my instructions, or did not care about encouraging anything that was different from his own ie. While I liope that our farmei-s may be wide-awake to take advaiilagt; of every iniple- nieiil, or of every improved method of culture that is surt^ to safely increase their prnlits, I also iiopc that they may never be infected with the fever of "progressiveness" as this word is now usuallv understood, taken in connection with farming. Mixing Varieties in Cultivation. I have never been very much in favor of sowing ditferent kinds of wheat on llie stiine gi oiukI, nor planting cm ii in the same manner. I think 1 saw a statt'inent a few years ago of a man who was uniformly succcssfid in getting Ids ears of corn tilled out, and he a.scribed it to |ilanting two varieties, one being .some two Weeks later in maturing. It is wt^ll kunwn that some years tlie iinllen is shed belbre the enils of the silk (the stigma) is suliiciently ailvanced to be fertilized, or the silk may have become too old when the pollen was ready. In either case the result would be "nubbins" and pfiinly filleil ears. The idea was that by planting two varieties, blos- sdining at dilt'erent times, the chances that the silk and the pollen wniild be matured to- gether, in jiart, at last, wnuld be greatly in- creased. The argument looks very plausible, and might inereast^ the average yearly yield. This season I had the fortune to see a field that was sown to two varieties of wheal, mixed about in eiiual proportions. The vari- eties were " Improved Mediterranean " and "Fultz." In the moister jiarts of the field the Medi- terranean "tilered" most, and I suppose there were twice as many heads of this variety as of the Fultz; in the higher parts they seemed about in eiiual proportion ; but right at the brows of the elevations, the Mediterranean was nearly a failure, there being but little else than Fultz seen. In this case there was certainly a benefit in mixing the two varieties, for wiierc one par- tially failed, the other succeeded, anil thus the average of the field was greatly increased. In fact, I hardly know what objection can be urged against mixing varieties in the plant- ing so long as they suit together, for it might happen that a very robust or tall variety might be mixed with a slower grower, and the latter be choked by its more powerful neighbor. In clover and the gra.sse.s, this practice is universal, and the crop thereby increased, and no doubt so soon as it is inteliigeiitly applied to other crops, such crops will be surer and the average yield greater, — .1. Ji. K. ENGLAND'S GREAT FARM. Important Results to the World of the Agri- cultural Experiments at Rothamsted. [From the Special ('orresitonderil of the N. Y. World.] London, .Tune 11.— The experimental farm of Rothain.steil has won a worltl-wide fame from the great value anil long continuance of the field experiments which liave been con- ducted upon it. Having enjoyed the oppor- tunity of a run over this remarkable projierty, in comiiany with Messrs. Lawes and (iilbert, whose names are synonymous with Uolham- sted and agricultural jirogress for more tlian forty years, the writer believes that a sum- mary notice of the origin, plan and results of these field experiments will be read with in- terest by all intelligent persons in the I'nited Stales, whether tliey arc iiersonally concerned with agriculture or not. Of course our notice must necessarily lie brief and very general of a research which covers so great an extent of time and many lliousiind carefully conducted exi>erimeiils both in the field and the labora- tory, and the literature of which is of itself quite a lilirarv already, though but a small part of the results have been published. To an American the Ilothainsted Farm oilers attractions aside fiom the interest which it has won from the great research of which it is the theatre. It is a great entailed estate of over a thousand acres of excellent land in Ilertford.shire (familiarly called Herts), twenty-live miles from London, on the Mid- 106 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [July, land Railway, near Harpenden Station. En- tering the property by a drive through an extensive parlt of noble old oaks, such as can rarely be seen out of England, the visitor is brought by a dense bovver of laurelbay, which completely hides the house and lawn, suddenly in view of an old English mansion of the Tudor style of architecture, the older part of ■which dates from the days of Edward IV., and which has been extended in the same style during the reign of James I., and in more modern days until it has quite an extended range, ending in a beautiful modern conserva- tory opening upon the lawn and the lovely garden. The whole front of this interestmg house was, in the early days of June, covered with a profusion of the most beautiful roses, trained to the eaves on trellises, almost hiding the quaint old windows, with their antique glass and thick-set mullions. The construc- tion is brick, with rounded battlements. We cannot pause to describe the ancient oak carvings of the great hall, or the banqueting- room and library, all paneled in English oak and ornamented with old family portraits and curious historical relics, for we have to do now chiefly with practical results of the most remarkable series of experiments in agriculture which the world has seen at the hands cer- tainly of any private individual. John Bennet Lawes, Esq., was the founder of the Rothamsted experimental station, and, although in full vigor, has passed a long and active life in prosecuting his work, with the aid, since June, 1843, of his well-known asso- ciate. Dr. J. H. Gilbert, F. R. S., &c., and a well-known member of the leading scientific bodies of tlie United Kingdom. Coming into possession of his hereditary property in 1834, Mr. Lawes commenced his experiments with diflerent fertilizing materials, iirst in a small way with plants in pots, and soon on a larger and increasing scale in the field. This, it will be observed, was before Liebig commenced his renowned labors in agricultural chemistry, and when, aside from the early labors of Davy, there were scarcely any available researches in this line except those of De .Saussure. Hap- pily for the cause of scientific agriculture everywhere, Mr. Lawes was moved to devote his abundant wealth and all his time and talents to a systematic course of research, for the love of it and for the good of mankind, commencing at a time of lile when the tradi- tions of English country life a young man is expected to devote himself chiefly to horses and hounds. Disconnected with any external organization, and relying solely on his own resources, Mr. Lawes has steadily for nearly half a century prosecuted his researches with an unflinching assiduity and a clear-sighted- ness, independence and success rarely indeed found in any department of original work. Feeling, as he expressed to the writer, that he has after all these years only commenced a work which will demand many lives yet to its completion, he has set apart a fund of .£100,- 000 and a certain breadtli of land for the con- tinuance of these investigations when he is dead and gone. To give those unacquainted with the subject some notion of the object and mode of con- ducting such investigations it will suHice to say that the problem presented was to deter- mine the actual relations of the various crops grown on farms to the soil, and the various manures or fertilizers used to promote their growth, and to do this on a scale of such magnitude, Ijoth for area and time, as would settle upon a strong and safe basis the funda- mental principles of agricultural practice. It is difficult to overestimate the value and im- portance of such researches, if properly con- ducted, as they affect the very foundations of national prosperity and individual happiness in all civilized communities. In 1854-.'5 the researches of Messrs. Lawes and Gilbert had already attracted so much at- tention that a new laboratory was built for them by public subscription among agricul- turists and presented to Mr. Lawes in July, 1855, from which the old barn-laboratory in which the work was begun was abandoned. and it has since been carried on in the new one, which has become so well known to chemists the world over. Dr. Gilbert has had the direction of the laboratory since 1843, aided by a consideralile staff of assistants — two or three chemists and the same number of general assistants, one of whom is usually employed in routine chemical work. The general assistants superintend the field ex- periments, the making of manures, the mea- surement of the plots of land, the application of the manures and the harvesting of the crops ; also, the taking and preservation of samples for analysis and for the museum of collections, contained now in about 30,000 bottles, all systematically classified and accu- rately catalogued, forming an amazing record of persistent and well-directed industry. These assistants also superintend the experi- ments made on the animals. As occasion re- quires there is a botanical assistant, aided by half a dozen boys, and at times also by one of the general assistants, who may at other times undertake the botanical work. There also are two or three computers and record keepers, who are occupied in calculating and tabulating field, feeding and laboratory re- sults, copying, &c. Besides the permanent laboratory staff, chemical assistance is fre- quently engaged in London or elsewhere. In this way, for some years past, Mr. R. Richter, of Berlin, has been almost constantly occupied with analytical work sent from Rothamsted. In addition to all this are the laboratory servi- tors, while the field experiments and feeding employ a considerable number of agricultural laborers. This statement will give some idea of the extent of the work and how thorough and systematic it is. The investigations naturally fall under two distinct heads : First, field experiments — those on growing plants, &c. — and second, experiments on animals, (fcc. The general scope of the field experi- ments has been about as follows : To grow some of the most important crops, which were usually grown in rotation, each separately, year after year for many years in succession on the same land, and to do this (1) without manure, (2) with farm-yard manure, and (3) with a great variety of chemical manures ; the same manure being, as a rule, applied year after year on the same plot of ground and on the same crop. These experiments have been varied by an actual course of rota- tion with different manures. It will readily be seen that to follow out such a system thoroughly and obtain from it the utmost information which it is capable of affording must involve no small labor and many details, reaching over long periods of time" and de- manding a perfect system of account and re- cord to prevent loss and error from the failure of memory or the confusion of data. For example, wheat has been thus grown for thirty-five years in succession on thirteen acres of land, divided into thirty-five plots, and this has been varied on other plots with various kinds of wheat and with wheat alter- nated with fallow for twenty-seven years on one acre in two plots. In like manner for barley, oats, beans, clover, turnips, sugar- beet, mangel-wurzel and potatoes for various areas and times, as high as thirty-two years in succession and for like times. On permanent grass land, for centuries in grass, similar treatment by use of diflerent manures and no manure, always on the .same plots, has been carried on for twenty-three years. Now, from all these experimental plots samples of the crops grown are carefully taken and brought to the laboratory, where weighed portions of each are dried and preserved in sys- tematically labeled bottles for future reference and analysis. Duplicate portions of each sample are desiccated at 212 degrees Fahren- heit, the loss of weight determined and the dry matter burnt to ash (crematio) upon, sheets of platina in muffles of cast iron maintained day and night, and at all times, at low red heat. Then the amount of ashes is accurately determined, and the ashes themselves pre- served in glass bottles for future reference or analysis. By this laborious process, conducted with scrupulous exactness, are the materials obtained upon which are founded conclusions from which there is no escape. In a large number of cases — many thousands — the nitro- gen is determined, and more than five hun- dred complete ash analyses have been made to illustrate the influence of season, manures, exhaustion, &c., upon crops. Even the good Dr. Gilbert by turns becomes a miller and spends days in the flouring mill in selected cases of experimentally grown wheat, to de- termine by milling process the proportion, of milling products, the exact chemical composi- tion of which is afterwards determined in the laboratory. The experiments upon permanent meadow or park grass land have been con- tinued over twenty years and have been at- tended with curiously instructive and useful results. It appears from a careful botanical scrutiny by actual count of all the product cut upon a given area of land which had been in grass for centuries, and enriched only with barn-yard manure, that the flora contained about fifty species of plants, which were tabu- lated according to their respective abundance by actual count and with their systematic names. It is found that the more worthless of these meadow plants are subordinated by treatment to the more useful in such a way that, in case of the continuous treatment by certain mineral manures only, while the an- nual average clip for twenty years has risen from twenty-one and a quarter hundred weight producee per acre, weighted as hay, to sixty- two and a half hundred weight per acre, the number of species of plants has diminished from fifty to about twenty, and these the most useful of the grasses, &c. Not that the other thirty have been exterminated, but rather that they are smothered and subordinated by the vigor of the more valuable plants, al- though in the case of some of the most nox- ious weeds they seem to be exterminated. Those curious in such matters will wish to know what the exact treatment in this case was, and the facts are of sutticient interest to merit the attention of any thoughtful reader. The treatment was exclusively by mineral manures, without a particle of any kind of vegetable or carbonaceous substance whatever. For example, in this particular case the an- nual quantities per acre employed were as fol- lows, viz. : Poundn. Sulphate of potassa 300 Sul)ihate of soda JOO Sulphate of magnesia 100 Superphosphate of lime 3_>^ cwt 392 Auimouia salts, equal parts sulphate and muriate of ammonia.. . ; 800 Total per acre mineral manure 1,692 To this quantity was added on another equal plot silicate of soda 400 Total 2,092 . The silicate of soda was commenced only in 18G2, or thirteen years after the series of ex- periments were entered on. Its effects are most marked, for while the average for the first twenty years of hay cut was about 61 hundred weight, it rose for the twenty-second season (1877)^ to the enormous aggregate of 110 hundred weight I But it should be stated that in this year tliere were two cuttings or crops of 60J and 484 hundred weight respec- tively, and that the continuously unmanured ground next adjoining gave in the same season also two crops of, respectively, 10^ and 25| hundred weight, or a total of 44| hundred weight. In other words, the land continu- ously fertilized with mineral manures of the above composition gave 5i tons of hay per acre and the adjacent unmanured gave 2 1-5 tons. It will be seen that the only source of nitrogen added by this treatment was from the salts of ammonia, while the carbon was evidently obtained by the plants from the car- bonic acid of the atmosphere, since not a particle of carbonaceous food was supplied and the soil had become i)ractically exhausted . of carbon. The chemical composition of the soil in this, as in every case, for each 6 inches in depth to a total depth of 54 inches, was carefully determined, and also the dry heath j ash, nitrogen, woody fibre, fatty matter audi 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. i07 composition of ;isli of the croj), and tlie i)er- centage by wpiglit of oacli species of grass uiul other plants in tlio mixed herbage accurately determined. It is impossible in any reasonabI(> limits of space to follow the details of those most im- portant anarallel, and while these ex- periments are familiar to most agricultural chemists they are comparatively little known to the great mass of intelligent readers. Mr. Lawes has shown his real regard for the welfare of his farm-laborers anpiness in vari- ous ways. We chanced to be with him on occasion of the anniversary of bis allotment system, when all the tenants, to the nmnber of about one hundred and sixty, were assem- bled to partake of an entertainment provided for them under a tent. We may take occa- sion to recur to this again as an interesting example of a .social experiment looking to the amelioration of the working classes. — ]}. SilUman. THE MILLERS' CONVENTION. Tlie I'l'iinsylvaniii Millers' State Association field its soeomf convention in Reaifing on Tuesduy, 'luly 9. Tlie followinsr persons, among otlicrs, were present : Charles A. Minor, Presiilent, of Wilkes-Barre ; A. '/.. Selioeli, Secretary, of Sclinsijrove ; Sacecr liros., AUentown ; Jolin IJarnitz, Mt. Holly, l.aneastcr county ; S. 'A. llawbecker, Williamson, l'"ranklin connty ; Stein it Troufrh, I'oltsville; Frock it Co., Millorshurg, Daiipliln county ; Isaac .\I. Thomas & Co., Wilkos-Barre ; Schoch Bros., Selinscrove ; Hancock & Co., Wilkes-Harrc ; Lewis IJuchler, Tamaqua ; C. Burkhart, Chamlierslniri; ; .1. II. Gehry, ('atawissa ; f. A. and S. Small, York ; Dun- can, Hale it CIo., f'hillipsbuic: ; H. F. F.isenbury, Ilunlinsdoii; Maiinina: it Co., Bijr Sprinirs, Cumlicr- laud county; S. (i. Luck, Hanover; S. (i. Earl, Heailin;; ; John McFarlan, Watsonlown ; William Younger, Catasauqua ; Daniel She]i[), Tamaqua ; A. B. Sprcnkel, Wrichtsville; .Jacob F. Newman, Bed- ford ; T. M. Beds, Scraiiton. fVnniiVlvania is an cxionsivc manufacturer of tlouriiiir and irrist mill products. At the last cen»us there wore 2,'.tS."i millini; establishments within our borders, ."iTi of them were run by engines aggrega- ting i;!,7.'i:i horse power ; and ;f,'iSO mills were oper- ated by water wheels of 60,r.'2 horse-iiowiT. There were at that time fi,4'27 persons em|iloycd In the business, of which 0,400 were males above the age of sixteen years, 4 were females above the age of (Iftecn years, aiid l^Myouths. The capital Invested amounted to $2(l,.'iy:i,0-0, and these mills paid annually in w.ages ?l,27.S,14fi, consumed ?4f ,7ii:i,35.S worth of material, and their eonibined product was?49,47ti,'i4.5. The subjects considered were improved machinery. Insurance, transportation, the grading and inspection of grain, etc. In theclieapeningof milling machinery, special reference is being had to the Cochran patent on purifying the product of mills liy the lilast pro- cess. Mr. Cochran is a resident of Harper's Ferry, and he has brought suit in a number of States, and threatena Pennsylvania to something like ?S,000 for every run of burrs In each mill where his claimed inventions arc used, wlielher in connection with other patents or in till' most primitive mills. This claim is grounded on a I'nited States Court decision, which was obtained liy Mr. Cochran In a suit where- in the party sufd, throtu:li Ignorance or Indillcrenep, made no dclcnse. In other Stales where there arc millers' associations each momln-r has boon atsossed ^'i.'), and to save a much larger individual loss In I'ennsylvania the millers today were apijoaled to to come to time in the assoiialion and form a common pool to light a prospective conunon enemy to millers in this country. Tlie members of the convention arc about to relicl againnt the rates of insurance exacted by stoik companies, and a step was taken to-day towards the formation of a millers' mutual (ire In- surance company for I'ennsylvania, the millers of the assciciatioM lo encourage the Nalipeat it when they reajipear ; suapsnds are also -ll.Hl. K. D.Gatihel sprinkles them with soapsuds; begin r.irly in spriM;r- llebeeea I). Kinir : Is it better to pnt tomato vines in Irames, or let them lie ou the ground ? \Vm. P. Haines: Tried botli ways, and could not M !• nuieh ditl'erence. If let lay, put straw or corn- In. Ider under them. Straw is best. Most of the .iilicr members jireferred to let them lie on straw. ( harles S. tiatehel : If ji^round is nianure.l and I l.wcd now, would it be advisable to plow a second I line before putting iu wheat ? None ol the members a.lvised a second plowinir, as the manure would be likely to he in the way. They would keep down the jrrass and weeds by eultivatint,'. After dinner the male portiim of the club ma.le the n^iial inspection of the iarm and live stock, accom- panied by the host. After reassendilingin the house . liticisms on the manner of conducting tlie farm were called for. The live stock were reported iu good condition, particularly the tows, and growing crops looking well. An addition to the house, which was iu course of erection when the club last met at the place, was finished, and the host and hostess were much com- plimented upon the judgment and taste displayed iu its arrangement and the ueat yard and pretty liowers and shrubbery surrounding it. The host next read au iutcresting essay giving an aeeomnt of his visit to the May meeting of the Ex- perimental Farm Club. Mary A. King read from Rural Nexo Yorker, "ikow to interest boys in farming?" C.S. Gatchel read from /'raehV(ir/'"ar»i<;r—" Selling out," by T. Leonard. Aun E.Wood read from Iknmehohl — "Sec ourselves as others see us," and "The Farmer's Wife " was recited by Emma Kiug. S. L. Gregg read from the report of Pennsylvania State Agricialtural Society an article by J. 15. (iar- ber, giving an account of the manner ol cultivating wheat practiced by J. M. Heiges, of York county. He plows deep wheat or oats stubble, manures heavily, plows still deeper the second time, pulver- izes thoroughly, then prepares it into ridges and de- pressions, the latter twelve inches deep, ridges ten inches wide, sows the wheat broadcast, then drags and makes thoroughly level. Cultivates three or four times. By this method he has raised seventy bushels to the acre. The following question was theu selected for dis- cussion at the next meeting : Risulred, That the female portion of the farmer's family is more oppressed by labors and cares than the male portion. Adjourned to meet at the residence of Franklin Tollinger, regular time in August. AGRICULTURAL. Sowing Rye Among Corn. A correspondent, writing in the Conntrij (leiitle- iiuiu, strongly recommends the sowing of rye among corn, so that it will make a fall an.l spring growth for feedingortobe plowed uniler for green manurimr. The writer asserts that he has done this on several occasions. At the last cultivating of the corn he sows ahead of the cultivator about I'.j bushels of rye to the acre, which is cultivated at once, and some- times twice by cross cultivation. The rye will only give a spindling growth until the corn ripens and is taken off, when it will spread and grow rapidly, giv- ing a dense growth before winter. He has had to commence to stalk up in the fall, keepim; the ground so warm that be plowed it under in the winter when the adjoining lands were frozen hard. The ground was greatly benefitted. Inorder to sow among stand- ing corn go back and forth between every third space. It reiiuires skillful work when the corn is large. The ideaiscertainly a good one and ought to aid every cn- terprisinir farmer in his plans in securing the best re- sults and largest returns. To clear the ground at cut- tingtime,altbougb very heavy work, ami then plowing and sowing, for late fall or early spring pasturage, might also do well. Much would depend uiion the quality of the soil. If it was of poor cpiality it would be lienetitted by plowing the crop under. In farming, to make it profitable, there is nothing like kceplug the land all the time occupied In doing its best. per cent, in the i)roduct of drilled over tfio hill system <)f planting corn, a number of farmers at different points adopted the drill system, and for one or two seasons thought it the best; but we believe near- ly all of them have now abandoned It and gone t)ack to hill-planting. We wrre satislied at I lie time of the experiments alhnlcd to, that being experimi'nts, much extra care had been bestowed upon the crop, that they did not furnish reliable Informa- tion, and that the old way could not be Improved on. And this has turned out to be the case. In this section, in noticing hun.lreds of cornllehls the present year, we have not yet encountered one that has been drilled. It is so with a great ninny new ways and tlilnes- They a.-e sent forth with a loud blast of the trumpet, and they everywhere (Iml more or less beli.'vers, wb.i will not be coiivinecil that they are goimr to niak- a worthless Investment until they find their liniiers burnt. Then they heap curses loud and deep upon those who bad maile money out of their ere. lulity, when they had noboily to blame liut themselves. Farmers as well as oilier people should keep their eyes wide open as to new ways and things involving money. Chemical Fertilizers. If commercial or chemical fertilizers are ever to get into more general use the farmers of the country must have some satisfactory assurance, made by olllcial analysis, that they are what they arc repre- sented to be. It is true that a purchaser will not be likely to be taken in twice with the same manufac- ture, but very many individual purchasers may be, and then, too, there are scores of difl'erent kinds. The farmer wants something more than the word of the seller, whatever bis standing may be. Articles selling at the high rate per ton as a fertilizer should have a known, stamped statement of its contents, and then purchasers can invest in thena with a degree of knowledge of their value for their particular lands, which will afford them necessary aid in making a selection. In Eagland fertilizers find no sale unless a guaran- tee analysis accompanies it. Until this security was obtained the quantity of fertilizers sold had greatly diminished ; but since the sales have largely in- creased. All that our farmers demand is a correct statement of the component parts of the fertilizer. They are unwilling to buy a " pig in a poke," and they are right. Give them a good article and they will freely invest. Drilling Corn. A few years ago, on the strength of an experiment or two by one of our so called agricultural colleges, which seemed to show a gain of from ten to fifteen The Wheat Crop. We see it stated in local papers here and there that the crop of wheat this season is seriously dam- aged by the Hessian fly; but the damage by this in- sect is not, as these papers suppose, universal or at all general. The fly In sonic sections has done some damage — but altogether its depredations are, in the aggregate of but little account. What has done serious damage, however, esiiecially in the south and southwest, is the rust. This is owing to the protracted cool, wet weather; but even this, so far as we can learn, will not sensibly diminish the crop, as the acreage this year in wheat is muidi larger than ever before, and the aggregate yield will perhaps be more than ever before. The seeding of wheat is now done so early in Sep- tember that in mild, moist autumns like that of last year, the young wheat grows so rampant as to sub- ject it to the attacks of the fly before winter sets in, .and they are more destructive than they are in the spring. The particular advantages of very early sowing we have never learned. Fifty years ago the seed was seMom in the ground liefore Ocl,ober, and as late as from the 10th to the IStli. A Wheat Crop Saved by Skunks. The skunk is one of the best friends of the farmer. I sowe.l eii;hteen acres of wheat a few years since, and while fitting the groun.l notieeil an unusual number of white gruljs, and when the wheat came up the grubs began to work in It, and the skunks began to bore their sharp noses after the grub until it seemed as if there was not a place four feet square in the field where there was not a little hole bored, and a grub taken out; audi harvested .550 bushels of wheat, which I sold for ?2.I1 per bushel ; so I am indebted to the skunks yet. Your last correspondent made it clear that it was not necessary for him to stanil on his feet to work the muscles for his brim- stone extinguisher. I had a friend who 8up|>osed that if you held a skunk by the tail you were holding the safety valve; and so, finding one behin.l the partition in a basement, be took him by the tail and started for the woods with a dog to kill him ; after be had gone about ten rods .Mr. I'iebald drew a Crecdmore bead on him and hit him Just under the eye; in a short time he let go of the skunk's tall, and has not tried that plan since. — Frotn a Farmer'* Letter. ^ Grass Seed for Mowing Lands, In reply to a eorresjKindent who asks how much seed must be sown in seeding an acre of stubble with June and orchard grass mixed, (or mowiug and not for pasture, the Nea England Farmer says : " For land that Is In good condition, we gliouhl sow two Inishelh of orchard i^rass anil one bushel of ,Iunc grafs to the acre, and il would be well to sow on clover, also, in the spring, If there Is a prospect that It would germinate, ii8 all Ihesi' grasses mature nearly at the same season. Orchard grass should be sown as early in autumn as possibb-, as It Is a lilllu tender the first winter, if very young when the ground freezes. The .lune ^rass will not make niuith show the first year, l>ut will hold out, probably, longer than the orchard i^rass. Both will pay well for annual top-ilressini^ of stable or cummercial manures, anut in eonneetiitn with sulphate of iMitasli, applying about, a ton of scraps and seventy pounds of potash to the aeri — if more scraps, then js.tasli in proportion. The plan wc have jiiirsiied in the past and shall again this fall is to broa^least the scraps on the furrow, harrow, sow on the potash as you would oats, and harrow till ri'ady for seed. Scientific Potato Culture. .\ French agricultural journal, the Jlnme Cour, describes the result of some experiments in potato- growing recently conducted by some seientllh' men iu Germany, in which it is ilenifnist rated that the "eyi;s" at the top of the potato produce a mindi more vigorous offspring than those in the lower part, and the consetpience is, that those airrieiilturisis who cut their potatoes in half before jilantintr them are not well advise. 1 in cutting them vertically, but should always divide them liorizontally, planling the up|K"r half and using Ihi^ other as food for the cattle. But the best plan of all is to plant the tulie whole, gut- tim; out, nevertheless, all the "eyes" except those iu the top part. How Superphosphate of Lime is Made In- effective. Superphosphate is simply insoluble phosphate of lime that has been trcate.l with sulphuric acid so as to separate a portion of the phosphoric acid from Its base, the lime, and render it free and soluble. If the superphosphate is brouirht into contact with lime, as on newly limeil land, the free phosphoric acid at once unit.'s with tin' lime, goes back or " reverts " to the condition in which it was (ireviously, an.l becomes insoluble and inert. Theiefoie, when superphosphate is used on land that contains fresh lime, it is practically useless, and is lost so far as present efl'ects are concerned. Superphosphate should not be used until the second year after lime. Field Mulching. The Germantown Telrgrapli, a reliable autliorify, gives the following seasoiiatile advice : In ri'inoving the hay from the fielil the "rakiiiL's" should be al- low c.l to remain, for two reasons : One Is that It will not iiay for the labor In gathering them up; I he other that it does pay, and twice over, in being scattered over the field ami acting as a mulch to the exposed roots of the stubble. It keeps the rfiols cool ami moist and will adil lari.'cly lo the ni-xt year's yiehl of timothy or orchard grass. .Many first class farmers already do this, but there are so many who do not that It" may be worth while to remind them of the ailvantagcs of it. Late Sowings of Grain. Ilaberlandt continues Ills researches as to the value of the late .sowings of grain. His conclusions for the last t»(i years are deelihilly unfavorable to spriug sowings. He linds that, in pro|H)rtion to the lateness, so does the qualify and qu.intity of the grain dlmlii- isli ; that the steins, roots and iiusks alone are liciie- fited, that the plant is more liable to be attacked by rust, an.l, in the case of rye, by ergot ; and the grain thus raised will, if employeil for seed, be remarkable for its slow germinating |K)Wers. The gri^at erroi in wheat husbandry consists in this : Sufficient time is not suffered to elapse between plowing for wheat and siedliig to admit of that pack- In;: of the soil and that pndlniinary decomposition of crude vegetable matter which, on most soils, is an iudisiicnsable prerequisite to a good wheat crop. Cai.ifoiinia fanners are cultivating fig trees for the sole pur|)06c of ralsini; and fatteiiiiii.' hogs. This fruit contains large quautitles of saccharine matter, hence Is very fattening. The fig tree, once well started, requires little attention, bears several crops a year and Is very prolific. 110 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [July, HORTICULTURAL. Thinning Fruit. The earlier this operation is performed the better for the tree and for the speeimens that remain. The only advantage in deferring it, is that the poorest, or those which are knotty or defective niiiy lie picked ott', and the largest and fairest may be left to grow. Those who have not ;,'iven this practice a trial erron- eously suppose it is attended with great labor or expense. ;On the contrary, the labor is actually lessened. If a tree has a thousand specimens on it early in summer, and these are allowed to grow and ripen, one-half may recpiire picking out to render the other half saleable. The whole must therel'ore be carefully assorted after all have been picked. It is much easier to strij) off the half when one-tenth grown and with no careful handling. The scrubby ones taken out in autumn, have impeded the growth of the good ones ; but if picked off in June, free growth is allowed to all the rest. It may not be that the proportion of poor speeimens to be assorted out in autumn is equal to one-half ; but the dimin- ished size of the rest would be an equal loss. A neighbor removed, early in the season, two-thirds of the pears on a part of his trees of Louise Boone of Jersey ; these gave as many bushels, from the in- creased size of the pears, as the unthinned trees ; but still there were too many left, and he was satis- lied it would have been better to have taken at least three-fourths. A successful peach raiser obtaining as many bushels from his trees after severe thinning as before, the peaches being so much larger as to make up in bulk the difference in number, while the price received for the large and excellent specimens was triple that received from the small and poor fruit on crowded bianches. Owners of orchards have often observed that the last peaches on a tree are finer in flavor than those which ripen first while the branches are crowded, the few days of ripening with ample space, producing a striking difference in quality. Still greater would be the difference both in size and flavor if the ample room is given early in the season. We need a system of experiments to determine accurately how much space should be given for the different fruits. When, for instance, there is a full crop of peaches, they often touch each other. Let a number of trees or bi-anchcs on the same tree be selected, and on one tliiu the peaches to four inches distance ; on another to six inches ; on another to nine inches, and on a fourth to a foot. When the fruit ripens, weigh and count the speeimens, and observe their appearance and quality. Try similar experiments on apple, pear and plum trees. This may be easily done, and it may give, by several repe- titions, valuable information as to the result. It should be borne in mind that the fewer the number which are left on the tree, other things being equal, the less the tree will be injured by exhaustion, and it is not advisable to attempt, therefore, to get the larg- est number of bushels, but rather to preserve the health and vigor of the tree. — Country Gcittlemmi. Restoring Old Trees. I was pleased to see your account of "old trees dj'ing " restored to vigor and productiveness by ma- nuring. This was, of course, where the soil needed it, else there would have been no benefit. I have in many cases (and nev.'r one failed) secured the same result by more attention to the top, removing the dead and ailing limbs, and permittingonly the more thrifty and'ihealthy to grow. In these old and declining trees there is much sap wasted on the decaying branches, which, upon their removal, is saved and concentrated upon the more healtiiy and surviving slioofs, while new shoots, entirely sound and vigorous, will start out. In all these QHf-es, the soil wag well drained and of good depth and richness, little or no cultivation or manure being given. The roots seemed to hiive found room and fertility enough to sustain a sufficient growth. But in the great majority of cases the soil of our orchards is not. of this character, but apt to be more or less wet, with the surface soil lacking in depth, the rest below unfit for successful fruit growing. My experience and observation lead me to say that this difference in the soil is always to be kept in view in treating orchards, for it is iffobably as bad to have the ground too rich as not rich enough — avoiding the extreme in the latter ease. The aim should be to keep up the balance between the wood and the fruit growth, which, in thin soil, requires attention both to the ground and the tree — to the tree alone where the ground is all right, keeping the orchard in sod. — Country Oentleinan . Budding Roses. This is a simple process by which amateur cultiva- tors often increase their stock. A sharj) pen-knife can do duty for a budding knife, and the handle of a toothbrush, if ground down smooth, will answer for a spud to aid in lifting the bark. From the last of June to the last of August is the best time for this process, as the bark can then be more easily raised from the wood. Take a smooth stalk and make a horizontal cut across the bark thi-ough to the wood, but not into it. From the center of this cross cut, make another cut straight down the stem, an inch or more in length. These two cuts should resemble a T. Slice off the bud you desire to propogate with one cut of the penknife, cutting it close to the main stalk. Now, with the edge of the spud, turn back the bark on each side of the straight cut and insert the bud on the wood of the branch to be budded, fit- ting it tightly to the crossed cut. With a bit of soft yarn bind down the bark, leaving the point of the bud exposed. A handful of dampened moss must then be bound round the stem, taking care to leave the tiny point of the bud exposed to the air. In six weeks the wrappings can be removed, but all other shoots must be kept from grouing on the budded branch. By this means a rose bush can be made to bear half a dozen different colored roses. Cabbage Grubs. In old soils all the cabbage kind have a ten- dency to form club roots, owing to the attacks of the cabbage grub or larva, a small insect belonging to the beetle tribe. The damage it causes is often a se- rious matter for the gardner, as it nearly destroys whole crops, and makes serious gaps in the planting. When the grubs first attack a crop there is nothing to indicate their presence until the plants begin to turn an unhealthy color; then they flag in the sun, and in a few days the crop is lost. One of the best methods of preventing these, inroads is to make each plant unpalatable to the grubs. In the spring pro- cure some fresh-burnt lime, and let it become air- slacked, mixing it with .an equal quantity of soot. In planting, the holes are made with the trowel in the usual way; each plant is dropped inot its hole, an inch or so of the soil put over the roots, a good watering given first, then a moderate handful of the soot-and- lime mixture thrown in each hole and the remaining soil filled in. Equal parts of soot and fine garden soil, mixed with water to the consistency of thin mortar, with the plants dipped in the mixture up to the base of the leaves liefore planting, is used to pre- vent clubbing. Wood ashes mixed with water and put into the holes after watering has been tried with success. Raspberries. Those fortunate enough to have some raspberry plants in their gardens will now have finished gather- ing the fruit. After this enjoyment it is a good time to say something in regard to a little care Uiey now need. Every one who has had them a year or two will know that the canes after bearing are of no fur- ther use, but it is not all who think enough to cut them out. But this is what should be done. These canes, if left to grow, only draw from the strength of the young canes for the next year's fruiting. The whole lot should be gone over at once, and all except the young canes cut down to the ground . Even some of these, if much too close together, should be thinned out to advantage. If this advice be followed the crop of fruit next year, if no accident happens, will be much finer than if the whole growth be left un- disturbed. Raspberries are often injured by having the soil disturbed around them . This they do not like, as it injures the roots ; and all cleanings around them, if by the hoe, should disturb the soil as little as possi- ble. If the soil is hard and seems to need loosening it is best to do it in the fall, using a digging fork for the purpose. Injure the roots as little as possible if you want good raspberries. Wash for Fruit Trees. Tlie following is a wash used by Wm. Saunders, of the government gardens at Washington : Put half a bushel of lime and four pounds of powdered sul- phur in a tight barrel, slaking the lime with hot. water, the mouth of the barrel lieing covered with a cloth ; this is reduced to the consistency of ordinary whitewash ; add at tlie time of application half an ounce of carbolic acid to each gallon of liquid- Mr. Saunders says : "I generally applied it in the spring, before the leaves made their appearance, but am convinced that it would be more effective if applied later ; but then it is difficult to do so when the tree is in foliage." Mr. Saunders applies the wash not only to the stem of the tree, but, to some extent, to the main branches. Setting Out Strawberries on Parry's System. Mr. Parry, of Monmouth county, N. J., adopts tlie following course as a good one in setting out strawberries : He plouglis furrows two and a half feet apart, and spreads along them equal parts of muck, marl, ashes and ground bone. They are to be mixed a fortnight before using. Three-fourths of a ton of the mixture per acre gives a lu,xuriant growth to the plants. "This result might not be so successful on all soils. The rows are cultivated with a horse. He finds a good coat of stat>le manure, just before winter, of great importance. Where marl is not to be obtained a little addition of ashes makes the mixture good . DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Receipt for Making Currant Wine For several years we made a ten gallon keg of eu) rant wine, of as good quality as any we have tastet _ and is generally so pronounced by those who have bad an opportunity to judge. The mode of manu- facture is simple and can easily lie followed by any family having the currants and the disposition to make the wine. For general information as well as in reply to private inquiries, we again give the re- ceipt after which we make it. The currants should be fully ripe when picked; put them iuto-a large tub, in which they should re- main a day or two, then crush with the hands, unless you have a small p.atent wine press, in which they should not be pressed too much, or the stems will be bruised and impart a disagreeatile taste to the juice. If the hands are used put the crushed fruit, after the juice has been jioured off, in a cloth or sack and i)ress out the juice. Put the juice back into the tub after removing any stems, skins or seeds remaining, where it should be left about thi'ce days, until the first stage of fermentation is oyer, and removing once or twice a day the scum copiously arising to the top. Then before putting the juice in a vessel — a demijohn, keg or barrel — any size to suit the quantity made : To each quart of juice add three pounds of the best yel- low sugar and soft water sufiieient to make a gallon. Thus, ten quarts of juice and thirty pounds of sugar will give you ten gallons of wine, and so on in that proportion. Those who do not like sweet wine can reduce the quantity of sugar to 2'.j ; or who wish it very sweet, raise it to '■'>'' i ])Ounds per gallon. The vessel must be full, and the bung or stopper left oft' until fermentation ceases, whieli will be in twelve or fifteen daj's. Meanwhile the cask must be filled up daily with currant juice left over, as fer- mentation cfases rack the wine off carefully, either from the spigot or by a syphon, and keep running all the time. Cleanse the cask thoroughly with boiling water, then return the wine, bung up tightly and let stand four or five months, when it will be fit to drink and can be bottled if desired. All the vessels, casks, Ac, should be perfectly sweet, and the whole operation should be done with an eye to cleanliness. In sucli event every drop of brandy or spirituous liquors added will detract from the flavor of the wine, and will not in the least de- gree increase its keeping qualities. Currant wine made in tliis way will keep for an age. We have some made in 18.56, which is really an excellent arti- cle.— Gcrtnantown Telegraph. 1 Cooking Potatoes. To most of us the food weeat is valuable because we like it, and not so much because we consider our- selves a n^acbine on which profit and loss is to be nicely calculated in regard to what we eat. But, as perhaps some of our readers are chemically or financially disposed, and have desire to know to a penny what their bodies cost and to a grain the material of which it is made, we give the following about cooking potatoes from an English agricultural magazine : As food the pot.ato i.*; valuable on account of the potash and phosiihoric acid it contains, it.nd it is of the first importance that the potash salts should not be lost in the process of coolving, for it is to these salts potatoes owe their anii-scorbutie properties. Potatoes steamed with their skins on lose verj' little potash and scarcely any phosphoric acid ; while if steamed after pealing, they lose 7 and .5 percent, respectively. Similarly, potatoes, when boiled with their skins on, lose little more than 2 per cent, of their potash, and aliout 1 per cent, of their phos- phoric acid; hut if they are boiled afler peeling, they lose as much as oil per cent, of potash and III-J per cent, of phosphoric acid. Hence, if potatoes must be peeled, tliey should be steamed, not boiled ; and, if they must be boiled, they should at least re- tain their jackets during the operation — the best way of all, from a scientific point of view, being to steam them before peeling, or to bake them in their skins. Lancaster Potato Fritters. Take of boiled and mashed potato pulp one pint ; of grated raw potato pulp a half i>int, (.some prefer a whole pint) ; of wheat flour two or three table- spoonfuls ; of cornmeal two tablespooufuls ; sweet milk half a pint ; ami of baking jjowder one tea- spoonful ; season with salt and pepiier to taste. Mix all well to a batter, and drop by spoonfuls into a pan with hot fat, or butter and fat; fiatten them down, and bake slowly until they are browned, and serve hot. The raw potato pulp gives them a peculiar and pleasant flavor, and the cornmeal a sweeter taste. — Contributed by J. F. Vf., Lancaster, Fa. Aromatic Principles in Milk. Professor Segeleke, of the Royal Agricultural Col- lege of Denmark, states that his experience, based on continued study and experiment, puts it be3'ond a doubt to bis mind that the aromatic principles of butter do not exist in natural milk, and that it is the decomposition of the principles of this latter — proba- 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. ill hly or even utterly inoilorotis principles — that gives rise to the aroniii of luitter. To sustain tliis theory he states tluit if tiie teniperatui'o of Itie niilli, wlien set for cream, be from iifty to lifly-llve (Icixri'ep or more, it deeomposes, lactie aeiil ami severai other new principles, while it needs l)iit to churn the cream to obtain an aromatic Ituttcr. If, on the other hand, the tem[ieratiire of the milk at such time be near freezing point the decomposition for the jtroductinn of aromatic principles is held in check, and conse- quently, the aroma of butter obtained from fresh cream is so I'ecblc that it is not perceptible to persons accustomed to butter pre|)ared as above indicated. But if it be dcsireil to olitain a more aromatic butter, all that is re<|uired is to place the cream in circum- stances favorable for lactic fermentation, and a few hours will produce the required result. The Use of a Microscope. Look at a photoijrapb tbniUKb a microscope that magnifies sutlicient to bring the picture to a life-size and you have lu^foreyou a l)ust of the person as per- fect as a piece of statuary. No one can tell the gratili- cation it affords to thus view the photograph of a dear deceased friend. — /. F. \V. [The stereoscope produces the same efl'ect, but with that instrument the photograph must tie dupli- cated, and both should be exactly alike. — Ed.] Household Receipts. In order to make rice cake, add to one pound of rice, when boild, two ounces of ehoped suel , a spoon- fill of flour, a quart of ekim-milk.some bnuvn sugar or treacle; b^ke in large can; fruit of any kind uuiy be mixed with it. P.tiN IX THE STOM.\cn. — A teaspoonful of vinegar, well salted, and covered with a good coating of cayenne pepper. Stir together in a tumbler until well mixed, swallow quickly, and you will experi- ence little further inconvenience. Rke Fkitteks. — A quart of rice boiled soft, and a tablespoonful of butter added when hot ; three or four eggs must be beaten separately until light, and added when the rice is cool. Now make up into fritters ; fry, and eat with molasses. Boil the mo- lasses, and send to the table hot. To stop blood take the fine dust of tea, or the scraping of tlie inside of tanned leather, and bind it close upon the wound, and the blood will soon cease to flow. These articlas are at all times accessible, and easy to l)e obtained. After the blood has ceased to flow, laudanum may be advantageously applied to the wound. Pkepared Gu'e. — In a lialf a pint of water In a wide-mouthed bottle put eight ounces of best glue, place the bottle in water and heat until the glue is dissolved. Then stir in slowly twoaud a half ounces of strong nitric acid. Cork tightly. The glue thus prepared is always ready for use, and may be applied to mending furniture, broken vessels and other arti- cles not exposed to water. There is great art in eleaning properly a marble mantlepieee. The mantlepieee must be washed with soap and warm water. If there are any stains, mix two ounces ol jiowdered pumiccstone wit^h two ounces of powdered chalk and a (juarter of a pound of soda. Sift these ; then make them into a paste with cold water. lUibb the marble with the paste, and after- wards wash it with soap and water. To Keep Naii.s from Rusting. — Heat a quantity of Ihem on a shovel, and throw them, while quite hot, into a vessel of coarse oil or melted grease. The nails should not be so hot that the grease will be made to smoke freely. Cut nails prejiared in this manner are imj^roved in every respect. They are rendered tougher, and they will outlast any kind of wood, even though buried in the ground ; while unprepared nails are completely destroyed by rust in a very short time. French mustard may be made thus : Mix a quart of brown mustard seed witli a handful each of parsley, chervil, taragon and burnet, a teaspoonful of celery seed, and cloves, mace, garlic, and salt according to tasts. Put the whole into a basin, with enough wine vinegar to cover the mixtures. Let it steep for twenty-four hours, then pound it in a mar- ble mortar. When thoroughiy pounded pass it through a tine sieve ; add enough vinegar to make the mustard of the desired consistency, and put into jars for use. Putting Up Cucumbers. — This is the way to put up cucumbers, to liave them remain lirm without using pois<>n to accomplish it. "Wash your cucum- bers, taken fresh from the vine, in clear, cold water; put them into a porcelain kettle, with just enough to cover them, and add sutlicient salt to season the cueumtjcrs. Let them remain on the stove till hot, but not boil ; them take them out and drain till per- fectly dry. Put them into liottles and cover them with boiling vinegar of the best quality, to which has been added some red pepper, some mustard seed, a little horseradish, and sugar just to suit the taste. Cucumbers prejiared in this way, if good vinegar is used, will keep a whole year, if properly cealed up. LIVE STOCK. Sheep and SoiL The judicious adaptation of breeds to suitable conditions of soil ami climate has enabled the Aus- tralian wool-grow<'r to proiiuce a superior article to anytbinir grown In this country. The scpiatters now know exactly what each ilistrlct will ltow, and they know, too, how to crow it. They have "gone in for quality." Not only so, Imt. they have learneil to wash and pack their wools in u very BU|)crior num- ner. To see a bale of one of tlie liest brands of Ad<'lalde or Port Philiji wool opened, would lie a very usefid lesson to many of our very best Iloek- masters. Wltli tlieee realities before us, it Is surely time to pay a little more attentiontoonr homcprodu<-e. Wtioi may lie considered to be the product of the soil and climate, ratlicr than the distinctive diarac- leristic of particular brceils of sheep. We are accus- tomed to reirard Southdown anil Leicester fleeces in connection with the animals from which they arc taken, and not as the result of widely ditl'crent con- ilitions of soil ann his retrard and i-onflilcncc, as It were. The whip will never do it. A kind hamland L'entlc voh'O will act like mai:lc ; thus we have known women who could handle and ilrlve horscK thai would almost In- evltalily show some vicious traits In the hands of u male driver. These facts ajijily espi'clally to the rearing and training of young coll «, sonielhlni; whicli the Arabs underslami better than we do. They do not "break" tludr colls ; they adapt Ihcni ; they fonERSO>, Proprietor, Iliint- iiiK:.'>. New style Upright Pianos, $1 12,50. 'Orisims S:{5. Ordaus, 12 Stops. 972. 50. Church Organs, 16 stops, cost ijjaSO, only S115. Elegant SSTi) Mirror Top Organs, only Sl«>5. Tremendous sacritice to close out present stork. I lllllieilNe New Steam Factory soon to be ere';ted. Newspal'Or with much iutormatloll about cost of Pianos and Organs SENT FKEE. Please address DANIEL F, BEATT7, Washington, K.J. 10-5.3m 10 pictures of actresses and singers sent for lu cents. National Month ty, Washington, D. C, ^^ ^^ ■ W^ Great chance to make mouey. If you ■ ■ 11 1 1 1 cau'e get gold you cau get greeubacks. !■ Ill II m^^ ueed a person iu every town to take ^Jl %^ IbBV Isubscriptious for the largest, cheapest and West Illustrated family publication in the world. Any oue cau become a successful agent. The most elegant works of art given free to subscribers The price is so low that almost everybody subscribes. One agent reports mak- ing over $150 in a week. A lady agent reports taking over 407 subscribers iu 10 days. All who engage make money fast. You can devote all your time to the busiuess, or only your Mpare time. \'ou ueed not be a.way from home over night. . You can do it as well as others. Full particulars, diiectious aud terms free. Elegant aud exiiensivc outfit free. If you want profitable work send us your address at once. It costs uothiug to try the business. No oue who eugagee fails to make great pay. Address " Tlie People's Jourjial," Portland, JIaine, 9-S ly $777i , is not easily earned iu these times, but it cau be made iu three mouths by any oue of either sex, iu any part of the country who is willing to work steadily at the employment that we furuish. $66 per week in jour own town. You need not be away from home over night. You can give your ^vholo time to the work, or ouly your spare momeuts. It costs nothing to try the business. Terms aud $5 Outht free. Address ut once, H. Hallett & Co., Portlaud, Maine. PATPWT? procured. Advice free. Address, Rowe & Co. Box 174 Washington, D. C. J. STAUFFER, mm i mm, LANCASTER, JPENN'A. 235 EAST ORANGE ST. All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CANA- DIAN PATENTS, TRADE MARKS, and COPYRIGHTS, promptly attended to. His experience, success and faithful ateutiou to the interests of those who engage his services are fuUy acknowledged and appreciated. Prelimiu;try ex.-uninations made for him by a reliable As sistaut at Washington, without extra charge for dra>iiug or description. [Q-l-tf S125 A MONTH AND EXPENSES to Agents. Send stamp lor terms, b. C. FosTxu & Co., Claclnnstl, U. f^ ^T ^ Any worker cau make $12 a day at home. Cosily WTUJjJJ Outat free. Address Tbl-e & Co., Augusta, Me. EDW. J. ZAHM, DEALUn IN AMERICAN AND FOREIGN WATCHES, SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE. CLOCKS, JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY. Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted SPECTACLES. Repairing strictly attended to. North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Pa. 9-4- ly dJCC "^^^'^"^^ ^" your own town. Terms and $5 out tit free. wOO Address H. Hallett & Co., Portlaud, Muluo. 10-u-lv* A NEW BOOK. How to Raise FRUITS. A H.\ND-BOOK OP FRUIT CULTURE, BEING A GUIDE TO THE PHOI'ER Oalttvation and Manage)ncnt of Fruit Trees, and of Grapea and Small Fruits^ with condensed descriptions of many of the best and most jiopular varieties, with upwards of oue hundred engravings. By Thomas Grego. Price $1.00. A book wqich should be owned by every pereon who owns a rod of available laud, aud it will serve to secure success where now there is notliing \>\\i failure. It covers the ground fully, without teohnic:ilities, and is a work on Fruit Gulture for the Million. It tells of the cost, how to plant, how to trim, how to transplant, location, soil, selection, diseases, iusectB, borers, blights, cultivation, how to pruue, mauui'iug, layering, budding, grafting, etc., including full description and man- agement of Orchard Fruit, such as A])pkB, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, Nectarines, etc. It is a most complete Guido to Small-Fruit Culture. with many illustrations and descriptions of the latest vari eties of Grapes, Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Gooseberrie.'i, Cmrants, etc. The work shows the value of Fruit, aud how to use it. Sent by mail, post-paid, ]>rice $1 ; or The Fakmeu aUd UoW to raise Fruits, will be furnished at $1,75. AddreBS r, ItATHVOX, 23 Soatb Qneeuost.. I^niicnslor, I'n. Scribner's Lumber and Log-Book. OVER HALF A MILLION SOLD. The most complete book of itri kiud ever publislied. Gives correct meas- urement of all kinds of lumber, Inge and phmk by Doyle's Rule, cubical contents of square and round timber, stave and heading bolt tables, wages, rent, board, capacity of cisterns, cord-wood tables, interest, etc. Standard Book throughout United States aud Canada. Ask your bookseller for it, or I will send oue for 35 cents, post-paid. O. W. FIHIIER, 10-2-3mI P. O. Box 23S, KorlieNtor. X. T. PEDIGREE OHIOIT SEED. Danvers Onion Seed, raiii'd from the choicfn( imionji of each crop for fifft/ year* in 8iicc(9ition / The differeuce in the crop will l3e ten times greater than the cost of the socd. My Seed Catalogue free to all. 10-3-2m] JAMES J. H. GREeORT, ;Marbloliea(l, MaKS. 2Knr\ nnn f^trnulirmii Knspln^-ry , IHacU- OUU UUvJ f'^yi't/, i'iirrant,tf Urajio.^f Anpartt- (7H.1, UoolH, Pench Irrcs, .tc 100 SE1,E<'TEI» VA- KIETIES. Great Amrricati Strntrberriea, Largest and best. Berries 2 oz. each, 9 in. around. Bv mail 10 for HI : 100 tor 85 ; I.OOO lor 8 iO. Wil.iou Alltany, Chan. Doivniiig, Monarch itf the West, Kmilurky, Oreen frolif'ic, 82 per I.OOO ; Ciipt. Jnrk, Ciimher- latid Trimnph, Sterling, ,Tocunda, 85 per 1,000. AI.L PUKE. Catalogue free. Cut this out. JOHX N. COLLIXS, 10-2-3m] Moorestown, New;jer»ey. 1750. ESTABLISHED 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO., 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE. BUILDIKG HAPtDWARE, «I,.%NN, PAINTS, OILS, PVMPS, TERRA com, IRON liLEAB PIPE, LEATHER BELTING, SEEDS, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. AirenUt for the " Ohio " Reaper and Mo'wer, Whann's Phosphate, Fairbank's Scales, Dupont's Powder, Harrisburg Nails, Sec, &c, We bare the largest stock of geuoral Hardware in th« State, aud our iirices are as low aud terms as liberal as oaa be found elsewhere. y-l-tf. GOOD BOOKS I'MU Tin; Farm, Garden, and Household. The following is a \i»t of Valuabk- Books, which wUl be supplied by the Editor of the Lanc.^steu Faiimeu, No. 11)1 North Queen St. Any one or more of these books will bo sent ijowf paid to any of our readers ou receipt of the regular price which is named against each book. .Mien's (R. L. & L. F.] New American Farm Book $2 50 Allen's (L. F.) American Cattle.' 2 60 Atwood's Country and Suburban Houses 160 Bommer's method of Making Manures 25 Breck's New Book of Flowers 1 76 Brill's Farm-Gardening and Seed-Growing 1 CO DaddV Moderu ilorse Doctor, ISiliO I 60 Dadds American Cattle Doctor, Vi luo 1 50 Flax Cullure, (Seven Prize Essays by practical growers,) 30 FulUn-'s Grape Cuhurist 160 Fuller's Small Fruit Cnlturlst 1 6« Fulton's Peach Culture 1 60 Gregory on Scjuashes paper.. SO Harris ou the l^g 160 i;,. ,,.!.., — ■« ,, :.'. ' i-..f 1'ifi.sure J 50 I! t 1 60 ure 160 i. .. : -^ .. , r^ 176 Hop Culture. By nine ux}jenenced cultivatorB. 80 Iluntorand Trapper 100 Onions— How to Raise them Profitably M Our Farm of Four .\cro8. Pa., 30c.; Clo., 60c., Ex. clo. 1 00 Parsons on the Rose 1 50 Quinby's Mysteries of Uee-Kccping 160 Ouincy (Hon. Josiab) on Soiling Cattle 1 26 Ouinu's Money in the Garden 1 SO guinn'H Pear Culture for Profit, 1 00 Hiley's Potato Pests Paper 60 cts.; cloth., 76 Roc's Play and Profit lu my Garden 1 50 Stewarts Irrigaton for the Farm, Garden cud Orchard I 60 Stowart'f. StilMe Book 1 60 Stewart's Shepherd's Manual 160 Stoddard's Ann Egg Fann paper, 50 eta,; cloth 75 Thomaa's Farm Implements and Machinery 1 60 Tim Bunker Papers, or, Yankee Farming 150 Tobacco Culture. By fourteen experienced cultivators. 26 Waring's Draining for Profit aud Health 1 50 Waring's Elenu-nts of Agriculture 1 00 Whit*''s Cranlterr>' Culture 1 25 Wright's Practical Poultry-Keejer' 2 00 DWIN 4LDENQ ADVERHSIN&iV^CE^XYO . 174 ELTVf'STREET. CING1NJ*AH. OHIO. AdTertisementa inserted ia any paper. Before adTertising eend^or my cataloguo. IV. THE LANCASTR FARMER. [July, 187S. "OUT OF "WOKIS." SONG AND CHORUS, EY ^LICE HA^WTHORISTB. Author of " Listen to the Mockin^f Bird," " I'll sail the seas over," " What is Home ^^thout a Mother," etc., etc. *' Out of work, without a penny, Pleading hel before thy door. Without friends among the many — Look with pity on the poor." • , * One of the most touching and heautifnl ballads ever written, will give the author a more extended popularity than anything she has ever written. Price 35 cents — or, iUuBtrated title page 40 cents. For sale at all music stores, or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publiwherK, J. M. STODDART & CO., 9—9 723 Cheatuut Street. Philadelphia. ESTABLISHED 1832. G. SENER & SONS, Mauufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and finished The best Sawed SHI?VlJNMOKE. — A splendid late sort. A greater cropper than the Peerless, which it resembles iu form, while far better in quality. Each, per Barrel, $4.00 ; per Bushel, $2.00 ; per Peck, 75 cents. My Illustrated Seed Catalogue free to all applicants. JAMES J. H. GREGORY, 10-S-2m] Marblehend, Mass. ART OF PROPAGATION. A consise practical work ou the rapid increase and mul- tiplication of stock — amply illustrated. Price pre-paid by mail.SO cents. PUBLISHED BY Winona, Columbiana Co., Ohio.' ■ SEND FOR IT, AND FOR FREE CATALOGUE. By a special arrangement with the publishers, we offer the above work at 40 eta. per copy. It has received the fa- vorable notice of over liiW leading papers of the country. Cash to be sent to this office. 9-10 L. RATHVON. Will be' ^■■i.^jij; mailed FREE uT k all appUcanu, It oon- -^ -^ UisB colored plate, 500 cngraTlnga, -^ about 150 pages, and full dcacriptions?^ prices aod direcUoos for planting over 1200 - Tarledea of VegcUble and Flower Seeds, PlaDtJ, Botei, Eta. nralubte to aU. Bend for It, Addraag , ;^ D. M. TEaaT & CO., Detroit, Mich. 10-3-4ln] ■» © No. 221 CHURCH STREET, p. O. BOX, 1S»0 IMPORTERS, BREEDERS and SHIPPERS of TIIORUUGH-BRED LIVE STOCK. .Jersey and Ayr- shire Cattle and Calves, of the richest butter and milk stock. Southdown and Cotswold Sheep and Lambs, unsurpassed. Premium Chester AVhite Pigs, York- shire Pigs of best importations, (see cut herewith from life) Berkshire Pigs, (sired by the famous Im- ported Prize Boar, The Collier, and out of other im- ported noted boars and sows), Essex and Poland China Pigs — all of the best Strains. Send for^elegant new illustrated catalogue. XXighi Class Xiand <& T77ater Fo-^rls of all varieties* Fowls, Chicks and Eggs for hatching always for Sale at Low Prices, considering the high qual- ity, and reputation of oiir stock. Also Fancy Pigeons, Thorough-bred and Sportings Dogs. BXTRFEE'S NE-W C/LTAX.OGrUE. and Breeder's Manual is just out! 2.5,000 copies will be mailed FREE to Farniers and Breed- ers sending us their addresses. It is brimfull, of reliable descriptions, numerous large and handsome cuts from life of our best animals and Fowls ; is elegantly printed on tinted paper, and is without doubt the handsomest free catalogue of stock ever issued. We wish every reader of the Lancaster Farmer would write for a copy. It will cost nothing. Addressasabove. k |k4fetti. 20OLBS. R ADE M. Price, $25 Per Ton, TRADE MARK. The Philadelphia Poudrette is an active, energetic, natu- ral manure, is soluble (like barn-yard manure) without the use of acids. It coutwns the soluble salte of plants, which have served ae food. These elements are indiBiiensable to the dcTelopment of ciiltivated crops, and in supplying theie eicremeuts to the soil, we return to it the constitu- ents which the crops have removed from it, and renew its capability of nourishing new crops. It is an invaluable manure for Tobacco and other plants requiring an early, healthy start, and rapid growth, maturing them from ten to fifteen days earlier. The increasing demand and uniform satisfaction it has given ou all crops during the past three years prove it a reliable fertilizer. A profitable and high de- gree of culture requires a liberal supply of manure. Circulars with testimonial can be had at the office of The- LaiicaMter Farmer, and at 101 North Queen St. HIRAM E. LUTZ, Manufacturer. for repairing your old Fanning Mills. Set of 5, price S4.00. RIDDLES & SIEVES Remit $1.00 with order, ballauce C.O. D. by Express. When ordering send size of old frame. We mail just -the Wire- cloth upon the receipt of 75 cents each. We have special eize for cleaning seed whe«t. Address, E. TAYLOR A CO.. lO-T-lm I'levelaii*!, Ohio. STOP AND READ ALL rOKMfB OF Kidney and Urinary Diseases^ Pains iu the Biick, Sides and. Loins, are positively cured by Grant's Remedy, its effects are truly marvelous ia Dropsy, Gravel, Eright's disease, Seminal losses. Leucorrhoea, and lost vigor, no matter of how long standing tlie case may be, noBsitive relief is had in from one to three days. Dojuot despair, hesi- tate or doubt for it is really a speciflc and never fails. It is purely a vegetable preparation, by its timely use thousands of cases that have been considered incurable by the most eminent Physicians havo been permanently cured. It ie also indorsed by the regular Physician and Medical Societies throughout the country. Sold in bottles at Two dollars each or three bottles, which is enough to cure the most aggravated case, sent to any address ou receipt of Five dollars. Small trial bottles One dollar each. All orders to be addressed to Grant's Remedy Manufacturing Co., S54 Main St., Worcester, Mass. 10-7-4m. ; 113(i ]\IAHKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA. AND Thoroughbred Short-Horn Cattle; Bred and For Sale by the undersigned. OF THE BEST MILKING STRAINS, and at prices to suit the times. Herd open to i'lepection by strangers at all times (Sundays excepted.) I will be pleased to show my herd to visitors, and any information iu regard to the cattle will cheerfully be given, by letter, as desired. 1 0-2-1 y] A. M. RANK, Bird-iu-Hand, Lancaster co., Pa. 1878 SPRING AND SUMMER. 1878 RATHVON & FISHER'S CHEAP CLOTHING STORE, Corner North Queen and Orange Sts., LANCASTER, PA. Good all wool Business Suits from $12 to $20 Fine Cloth or Worsted Dress Suits, 15 to 20 Fine Cassimere Pants, - - 4 to 10 Fine Vests, - - - - - 3 to 6 CUSTOM WORK A SPECIALTY, and satisfaction guaranteed. READY MADE CLOTl^ING And Furnishing Goods of all kinds, verp cheap. Cottonadee as low as $2.60 a suit. Cloths Cassimeres, Worstrngs, Suitings, Coatings and Vestings in a full line, and made promptly to order. RATHVON & FISHER, 1878 PEACXIOAL TAILORS. X8"7'8 j (t ■) „ V/aow (To snViBCrlborn In Cpl cl I cal ■( tho onnity. SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS. To Kilbitcrlbrrii out of 1 1.V^V^ Prof. S. S. SATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA , AUGUST 15, 1878. LINNJEUS EATEVON, PuWisher. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. Money ! Money 1 ! Money ! ! ! - Crop Failures, - - The Carjiet Beetle, - - - - - The Sparrow Nuisance, . - . - Ox-Eye Daisy, . - - - - Duroc, or Jersey Red Pigs, - - - Steady Demand for Sumac, - - - Reminder for Auirust, . - . - August Caterpillars, - . - - Agricultural Exhibitions, - - - - Correspondence, About Bets — A Curious Bird Shot — Plijlli-xera Vas- tuti'ix. Prickly-Asli — /. Stauffer, - . - . - The Crop ol the State, - - - - - Expermenting on Bees — \Vm. J. Pylc, • When is the Best Time to Sow Wheat and How- to Prepare the Soil — /. O., Random Thoughts, No. .3—4. B. A'., Wheat Culture— Fox and Tobacco — Piictsuf Farm Produce. Around the Farm, No. lO-^HuraUsI, Revu of July Number — Von HmahoU, Strawberry Culture — C. U., - - - - Letter from North Carolina — M. U., Letter from Iowa — II'. 7/. A'., . - - Sowing Turnip Seed, . . . - . Experiments in Wheat and Oats, - - - EsperimeutB with Wheat — Varieties of Oiits. The Wheat Crop in the Northwest, - - - The Price of Flour, - - - - - Forests and Cultivation, - - - - - Lancaster County Tobacco — ^yiniard T. Block, Sugar Beets, ------- Cost of Cows' Milk, - - - - - OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul tural and Horticultural Society, - - - Report of Committees— Reports of Standing C'om- urititeB— The OomiMi-utive Exhaustive Powers of theCereuls — Elements Drawn from the Soil — New BusiuesB— Business for Next Meeting — Kotes of a Western Trip. Tobacco Growers' Association, Reports on Crops— Place of lleeting— Foxy Tobacco, Bee-Keepers' Association, - - - - Questions Discussed — Do Bees Gather Honey or Make It 1— What Is Honey Dew 7— Can a Locality Be Overstocked with Bees 7 Linntean Society, - - - - - AGRICULTURAL. lis 113 113 114 115 115 115 116 116 116 110 117 117 117 lis lis 119 119 120 120 120 1--0 121 121 121 122 122 122 123 12.'i 124 125 120 Wheat Growing, - - - - - 126 Condition of American Agriculture, - 126 Fertility of Dairy Farms, 126 Salt and Soot as Manures, - - - - 126 Loss of Phosphate, - - - - 126 Interior Fences, - - - - - - 120 HORTICULTURAL. Rapid Growth of the Aloe, - - - - 127 Where to Plant an Apple Orchard, 127 Growing Chestnuts, - - - - - - 127 Asparagus Planting in Summer, - - - 127 DOMESTIC t>.ONOMY. Cottage Cheese, ------- 127 The A;-t of Making Coffee, - - - - 1^7 White Specks in Butter, - - ... 127 To Cure Dogs of Killing Chickens, - - 1:;7 Household iicccipts, ----- 127 LIVE STOCK. Lean Cattle for Europe, - - - - 127 Brine for Bathing the Feet of Horses, - - 127 Sawdust for Cleaning Horses, - - - - 127 Feeding Value of Corn and Oats, - . - 127 Subduing Fractious Horses, - - - - 127 POULIRY. The Narragansett Turkey, - - - - 128 A Varied Diet for Fowls,' ----- 12(S Origin of the Domestic Turkey, - - - 128 Keep Your Birds Tame, ----- 1-j8 Save the Best Fowls for Breeding, - - 128 Cheap Poultry Yard, ----- 1.8 Literary and Personal, ----- 128 TREES ! FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL LARGE STOCK. LOW RATES. ;.TA.\I>AU» S'KAIC flCrUS .V .*il»i;il.\l,T Y. Si nd stamp for Trade Lisr. AGICNT.S \V.\NTEU. K. 3IO(>»r (k SO.^K, I.ocKitorl, X. Y. NiAGAUA NiKsyniKs. i:s(abliBUed 1S39. lu-s.2/n w 1st pri7o AISTR.M.I.VN Wh.'at. Bi*iiQ the wirrlil. WHEAT !i.tr[iple fn-e. S4(>0 wiirtli BLiiODKn .-iToiK (;ivi:n ns prcMimiis. W. AtiCB 3ur- yoe4Cc.,-21CiiurchSi.,Hui U^Fearless Railway Threshing Machine proved Itself the "Best at Centennial Trial," and was the only Machine awarded a CEMfENNiAt Medal AND CERTIFICATE OF MERIT, OntJOth Horse Power and Tlirestior at)il lleaiier at ttia Centennial Exhibition, as shown l>y otIU-lal Kcporl, ■which saya : "Fi>r sneaat ffnturfu in t/ic I'oir- r l'> Ktcurs Jighlrunninaandmmtmnim,McU'm. forl/ifingeiiloiu form or the Siraw S/iakem icliich Inmire the proper agllatthn to neparate (he grain from '^^ ,»<'',';"u„ * "' catalogue, address . MIS AKD IIAUnEI., Coblesklll.Sc-iiohiirle County, N.T l»-r.-:im THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN. A MONTHLY JOURNAL, DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI- CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND MISCELLANY. PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY Made a prominent feature, with special reference to the wants of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit -Cirower, Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Edited Tsy Prof. S. S. EATHVON. 900,000 »crM UkPo Id foor months hv S5.000 p'-ople. Good cUoiBt*^, Boll, valor. HOd bulMlnc •tnnc ftDe publi(*hcd ou Iht* Iflth of every month, i)riiited ou good imit-r with cIl-hi* type, lu con- veuioiit foriu for rrudiug uiid biuding, dud iDuiled to BUb* scribcrs ou the followinitf TERMS: To subscribers residing withiu the couuty — i_lnc Copy, one year, .-.--- $i.oo Six Copies, one year, - ----- 5,00 Ten Copies, one year. ------- 7.50 To eubecribers outside of Lancaster oouuty, ludadiug postage pre-paid by the publiaUers: One Copy, one year, - - . - . - $1.25 Five Copies, one year, - . - - - - 5.00 All Bubscriptioue will commence with the January num- ber uiilees otherwise ordered. All oommiinicatiouH intended for publication should be HddreFHed to thc Editor, uud, to wcure iiinertioii, tthould be in hiH bHudt) by the first of the mouth of publtc4ition. All business letters, coutaining subscriiitiouB uud adver- tiHeuicutB, should be addressed to the publisher. The Lancasteb Faiimeu huviug completed its ninth year under various vicimsitndoe, now commences its tenth volume u'lder, it ie hoped, more favorable auspices than iitleuded its former voIuiuim. When the publisher of the lust two volumes assumed the rehpoiiHiblHtieH of Its i>ubli- catiou. it was with a determination to make j»uch improve- ments as would place thc farmer's orcan uf this great agri- cultural county iuihe very front rank of R^rricultural jour- ualism. That this bus beeu accomplished we think our readers will bear cheerful testimony. If reasonably bub- taiued, our aim iw to make it still more iuteicfling and in- structive under ts new piopriLlorshii). In this, however, we need the co-operatiou of every friend of the enterpriae. The contributions of our able editor, Prof. Uathvoh, on Rubjecti* connected with the science of furmlng. and partic- ularly that HI e'iiiliy of which he is bo thoroughly a master— eutomologicj.1 fcic nee --sonic- knowledge of which baa become a necefu«iiy to the succefsiu) liirmer. are alouo worth much more thuu the price of this publication. LINNAEUS RATHVON, 9 North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa. R.VTES OF ADVKRTISIXG — T*n CfnU a lino for earh liiMerlioii. Twelve lines to the inch II. THE LANCASTER FARMER. JL Trains leave the Dei VTE TWARD. £AII.R0.4» ot iu this city, Leave Lancaster. 2:40 a. m. 4:50 a. m. 9.35 a. m. 7:20 p. m. 11:20 a. m. 11:20 a. m. 11:20 a. m, 2:10 p. m. 2:13 p. m. 6:00 p. m. 7:20 p. m. 7:25 p. m. 9:2.5 p. m. 11:30 p.m. Lancaster. 12:30 a. m. 4:10 a. m. 7:35 a. m. 9.2S p. m. 1:20 p. m. 2:00 p. m. 3:05 p. m. 5:VS p. m. 5:50 p. m. KC'iEF.nn.x as follows : Arrive Harrisbnrg. 4:05 a. m. 7:50 a. ra. Niagara Express Col. Accommodatiou Mail train via Mt. Joy 10:40 a. m. Col. 8:00 p. m 1:00 p. m. 1:25 11. m. 1:30 p. m. Fast Line* Frederick Accommodation. Harrisbnrg Accom Columbia Accommodation.. Harrisbnrg Exi)ress Pitt sburg Express Cincinnati Express* EASTWARD. Atlantic Express* Philadelphia Expresst Harrisbnrg Exi>re88 ColHmbia Accommodation.. 3:25 o. m. Col. 2:45 p. m S:I0 p. m. Col. 8:00 p. m. 8:40 p. m. K):.-i0 p. m. 12:45 a. m, Philadelphia. 3:00 a. m. 7:00 a. m. 10:00 a. m. 12:30 p. m. 3:45 p.m. 5:00 p. m. Johnstown Express 6:00 p. m. Harrisbnrg Accom 9:00 p. m. The Haiiover Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a.m., and will run through to Hanover. The Frederick Accommodation, west, conuectsat Lancas- ter with Fast Line, west, at 2:10 p. m., and runs to Frederick. The Pacific Exiireps, east, on Sunday, wlien flagged, will stop at aiiddletown, EUzabethtown, Mount Joy aud Landis- Tille. *The only trains which run daily. tRnns daily, except Monday. Rates «f Advert isiiig In the I-ariuei 1 in. 3 in. 4 in. j 5 in. Siu. ii.oo 2 00 2.50 3.00 4.50 6.00 9.00 $ 2.00 4.00 4.50 6.60 9.00 12.00 18.00 $ 3.00 6.00 6.75 9.00 13.50 18.00 27 00 $ 4.00 $ 6.00 8.001 12.00 10.00 13.50 12.00 IS 00 IS. 00 27.00 24.00 30. 0) 36.00 .i4,00 $ 8.00 2 IBIO 16.00 18.00 24.00 S m^k 36.00 8 mo 1 year 48.00 72 00 2^^Sji'eci;>l and business notices 15 cents j er line TO AGENTS. The Century CI art. A 100-year Almanac, whereby you can :»scH3tain what d;iy of the week any day of the month is or what day of the month any day of the week is, was, or will be, from 1799 to 1900, or iu what day any event has taken place, from 1799 . to 1900, and 1000 other occurrences. The greatest in- -^ S vention of man. Every persuu will buy one; also the t •5 great Egyptian Puzzle. Sport for :all. Either article * e sent ou receipt of ■25c poet paid, or $1 per dozen, f^ *^ Agents wanted everywuere. Ladies and Gents secure your town at once. You can make $20 per week. Send for KOOSS BRO'S. ^'ovoltv ftalcr; 100 aud 102 Washington St.."CUICAGO, 111. sample, 9-12-Om] M. HABERBUSH, MANUFACTURER OF Plain and Fine Harness, .S.4IH>M.S, COLLARS, "WHIPS, FLY NETS, &c., ALSO DEALER IN TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS, BUFALO P.OBE.S, Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, &o., No. 30 Penn Square, 10-1-ly LANCASTER, PA. sk[:i:fi.ts3 1 Half Dozen for S6.00! SHIRT FRONTS, Lijiieii and Paper <'oSlars aiii*/ar edition, which contains all the same mattei aud illQstratious. Conlents tables free. Afffnttt Wnnted MURRAY HILL PUBLISHING CO , 9.10-ly 129 East gSth St. N. Y. E. H. FEESHMAIT & BROS., ADVERTISING AGENTS, 186 W. Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0., Are antlioi*gzi-(! 4«> routraot for advertising: in tlii» paper. Estifflaies lumislieillrse. Send for a Ciicnlar. We Will Pay the Highest Maftet Price for all of the following articles or we will fiell them for you oa ^% (5 per cent.) commisssiou n^ ■ ■ ■OB BHI^ ■9k Chee&e, EGGS. 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Wc are ngw selling ITew Pianos for $125 E.^ch, aud all styles, including GraiKl, S«iiiare and ITp- ri^ht, all iiew^ and strictly firNt-clit^s, at the lowest net cn<«ii ivholeNale factory prices, direct to the purchaser. No Agents; no commissions; no discounts. Pianos for £200, containing MATHUSHEK'S New Patent Duplez Overstrung Scale, which is without question the greatest improvement ever put into a Square Piano, producing the }njst astonishing poiver, richness and depth of tone , z.wCi. z. sustaining singing quality never before attained. Our Uprights are the fnent in America, Pianos s.;nt on trial. Don't fail to write for Illus- trated and Descriptive Catalogue — mailed free. MENDELSSOHN PIANO CO., 9-T-ly Xi». 21 East FiftecntJi St.. IV. T. • n QMrpcj WANTED. Best comhination and most lib- nUui\ 1 0 eral terms. Send for circulars. National I\IONTHi.v. W;ishingtou, D. C. '* Uii<|3ieNtif>iiiiS»l.y tlie best Niist»iiiecl work 01 tile k'iiiii ill the World." ILLUSTRATED. * yoticeti of the Press. The veteran Magazine, which long ago outgrew its origit nal title of the .Veu' il/yH^ft/i/ Ma(}azine.,h.ZB not in the least abated the pojularity it won at tlie outset, but has added to it In mauy ways, and has kept fairly abreast of the times, tbauks to the euterpriseof the publishers aud the tact and v.'isdom of its editors. For whatever is best aud most read- able iu the Literature of travel, discovery, and fiction, the average reader of to day looks to Harper's Magazine, just as espectantly as did the reader of a quarter of a century ago; there is the same admirable variety jf contents aud the same freshness aud suggestiveuess in its editorial departments now us then. — Voston Journal. T E bTm S . Festagd Free tc all Su'oscrilisrs ia the United St&tes. Hakpeu's Magazine, oue year $4 00. S4 00 includes prepayment of U. S. postage by the pub- IJshers. 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A Complete Analytical Index to the first Fifty Volumes of HakPER's Mag.azine hr.8 been published, rendering availa- ble for reference the vast and varied wealth of infonuation which constitutes this periodical a perfect illustrated litera- ry cyclopedia. 8vo, Cloth, $2 00; Half Calf, $5 25. Sent postage prepaid. Subscriptions received for Harper's Periodicals only. Xewspajiers are not to copij this advertisement witJwut tha exprcnH orders of Harper & Brothers. Addie(--.R HARPER k BROTHERS. New York. . ^ per l.OUU uud uiiwards, lor Seedlmge of Shade n and Tmiber Trees. A surplus of young trans- I planted EVEKWREKNS, CONCOKD GRAPE ^ I VINES, ETC. Send for Price List. Address, ^■" J. JENKINS, Grape and Seedling Nursery, 10-2-4m] WINOXA, Columbiana County, Ohio. The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., AUGUST. 1878. Vol. S. No. 8. MONEY! MONEY!! MONEY!!! Tho.so wlui kiKuv lluMiist'lvL'S imli'litcil to u.s, for sub-sci-ipUons or ollicrwise, will plciisc; kindly romeniber tlui iiiintcr — his iiced.s ;iic always pri'.ssing. f>(« the little yellow labels and that will reveal the state of the case, so far as regards subscriptions. CROP FAILURES. It is very prohtMe that .some people — ''level- headed " people too — may wiilely differ as to what constitutes a successful crop of — well, anything ; but it is (piitc certain that there are many not well-deliued views as to what constitutes "a failure." It has often been announced, in ailvance of the season, in the midst of the season, or after the season has gone by, that " this, that or the other" crop has been a failure, when in i)oint of /art, rationally considered, there has been no such thing — indeed, so far as it concerns a man's own skill, industry and intelligent manipula- tion, his ellbrts may have been an entire suc- cess ; and not only this combination of abili- ties in a ceitain direction, but also their re- sults in the accomplishment of that which he intended. A man imder skillful culture brings an acre of watermelons to iierfection, and the night before he disposes of them a herd of hungry swine break into his enclosure and ruin or destroy all that it contains ; it surely cannot be said that his crop of watermelons has been a, failure. lie may be a "failure" him- self, but certainly his crop has been a success. Again, through his own horticultural .skill and industry he may have produced a promis- ing crop of fruit, of whatsoever kind it may be, and just before he l)egins to gather anil market it, it may fall a prey to birds, insects, storms or some other iniforeseen casualty, which may be more or less attributable to his own want of precaution, his own negligence, or a want of the necessary knowledge to se- cure its preservation ; and here, again,, we shall be admonished that he has experienced a failure in his fruit crop. But this is clearly not so, because his culture Ivas been good, the season has been fiivorable, and the result has been all that could have been expected under such a combination of circumstances. If he were asked whether his locality is climatically and otherwise adapted to the growing of such and such kinds of fruit, he surely could not answer in tlie negative, because this would not be true. Birds, insects and other casual- ties may be contingencies that are entirely separate and apart from successful culture, and involves the ability to preserve and pro- tect a good crop after he has succeeded in producing it. It is analogous to the case of a man who by mechanical or i)rofessional skill has been able to build up a successful business and realize handsome prolits from it, but who has been careless or ])rolligate, or has lacked in that financial economy which is essential to the iiroper preservation and investment of his profits. If he (inally fails, his failure can- not be properly attributed to a want of skill in his profession or a want of patronage from the community, but frsm contingencies that are separate and apart from these. Another man, endowed with better economical and financial (pialities, may purchase his establish- ment, and with even less ability than he had, may prove a financial success. There is an old homely adage to the cflect that, "any fool can make money, but it takes a wise man to keep it." A story is told of a certain Mr. Tompkins who leased a (piarry, built a kiln, and went into the lime business. The terms of his lease were liberal, the (luality of the limestone was good, fuel was cheap, and the labor of quarrying light and easy. Taking advantage of a favorable state of the maikct, he sent one of the finest boat loads of lime towards a neighboring city that had ever ]ias.sed down the Swam])town canal, and every- tliing seemed propitious of a remimerative linaneial return, but a sudden storm arose and the rain came down in torrents on his uncovered cargo. The lime slaked, the boat bursted, the cargo sunk, converting that part of the canal into a boiling caldron, and his employees barely escaped with their lives. (Jf course he failed, but can any one truly say that the lime laisiness was a failure V lie had no jirudential right to ])resume that the weather would remain fair luitil he got his lime into market any more than a man has a right to presume that he can gather a good crop of healthy fruit in spite of web-worms, canker-worms or pilfering birds, if he makes no effort to forestall them. A lien may be a prolific layer and a good setter, but if she has no provident motherly (jualities her brood of two dozen chicks may, in every instance, dwindle down to one or two pullets in the end. " Ah, Joncsby, there you mis.sed a clause," .said an admiring auditor to a militia fifer on a training 'day. "Well, mebby I did, but you know that Money-Mioik takes a good deal of clawinij to i)lay it right," was the appreciative response of .lonesby. It is approximately so in regard to fiuit raising, or perhaps in raising any kind (jf crops, as well as in financial and general business pursuits. A tobacco-grower might succeed but jioorly, no matter how rich the soil is, how favorable the season, and how excellent the variety of his plants, if he entirely disregarded the presence of the "horn-worm," or any other destructive insect. There is something to be done separ.ate and apart from skillful manipu- lation of the soil is order to secure a succes.s- ful IJnal result ; and that something often requires a good deal of "clawing," and it is often also for the want of that clawing that failures ensue. It therefore behooves tillers of the soil to make themselves acquainted with the aftermath as well as the foremath of a croj), and to be as intelligent and vigilant in the one as they have been in the other, if they desire success in their avocations. They possess the practical opportunities of making oliservatious upon the presence and habits of insects that are far superior to those of a merely closet naturalist. Their experiences, it is true, m;iy be of an empirical character, but that is the very kind of knowledge they most need to crown their efforts with success. IJountit'ul nature may be doing for the hus- bandman all she can, but she camiot always maintain or restore an e(piilil)riinn that m.ay have been disturbed by human intervention — (/((({ rccjuires human counteracting means. We'are not exactly i)i)sfed in the curricuhan oi farmers' colleges, Init the study of economic entomology, if it is not, ought to be a part, and an essential part, of that curriculum. And in order to obtain a practical knowledge of the habits of destructive insects it might be necessary to introduce them into enclosures for that i)urpose, and on trees, shrubs and plants. Many destructive insects have been in- troduced into this country, without design, from Europe, and therefore tliere might be little trouble in introducing them into the ex- perimental rumpus of a college. Suppose they do destroy the plants, the fruit and the foliage of the campus ; if so much i)ractical knowlee re- stricted in their domain and not be allowed to infest the State at large. We might then iiave fewer/aiiures in crops than now. THE CARPET BEETLE. ( Anthmt um Set ophlo rUv. ) This is comiiaratively a new insect in this coimtry, and it .seems to have been intro- duced h(!re frou) Europe. We have, lieen admonished on one or two occasions that there was an insec't (other than the moth) that was infesting the carpets in the northern jiarls of the State of I'ennsylvania and elst-wliere ; but more particularly have notices of the .same appeared in various newspapers during the last two years, although we have failed to obtain specimens of them. From the very vague icpresentations made of its appearance, we had supposed it might be the young larva of a species of the "J..ard," or "Bacon beetles," {I>cr»if.s-Jf,s or A>lieation of kerosene or l«nzine to its haunts during the winter and spring, will either destroy or expel it from the premises. Like nearly every other foreign in- sect pest it may not lie long before we have it iu Lancaster county, and when that time ar- 114 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ August, rives we would admonish our readers to be vigilant and apply the remedies we have named, or any other which their experience may suggest, preventing it, if possible, from getting a foothold on their premises, and it is for this reason that we are now anticipating its advent. It seems that it does not confine itself in carpets alone, but also infests other woolen fabrics, and singularly enough it is not known to infest carpets at all in Europe, from whence it came. Mr. Lintner mentions an instance where it is said to have preyed upon cotton fabrics, and then adds, "a habit not attaching to either the carpet {moth) or clothes moth." So far as concerns the "clothes moth" (Tinea vestianella,) this is a mistake, for we ha?e in several well-defined instances found this in- sect preying, not only upon cotton fabrics, but also upon linen. On one particular occa- sion, on opening an unfrequented box in our clothing establishment, containing fragments of linen canvas, unbleached muslin and coarse woolen goods, we found them all equally scored and cased by Tinea vestianella. Of course this is not their normal habit, but it is difficult to say what any of these insect imps would not do in an emergency. Some years ago we hung up some follicles of the "sackbearer" (T hyridopteryx,) in our sanctum, from which the young were excluded during our absence, and when we returned they had constructed their little, erect, spur- like cases out of whitewash on the wall, leather from the backs and paper from the sides of some books on which they had alighted. Neither of these animals may have fed upon the substances named, but they cer- tainly constructed their habitacute out of them. They seem to be, more or less, crea- tures of circumstance as well as centrestance. It is curious that most of the destructive insects that have been introduced into the United States from Europe or elsewhere, in- crease more rapidly and become more de- structive than they were known to have been in their native countries, and very often prey upon different plants and other substances here from what they do there. In order to show how much we owe to foreign countries for our present insect inflictions, we append a list of foreigners that have become naturalized in our country: " Ilessian-fly, " Cccidmujia destructor; "Wheat-midge," Biplosis tritici; "Cheese-fly," Piophila easel; "House-fly," Musca domestiea ; "Currant-worm," Nenuitus ventricosus; " Oyster Shell Bark Louse," As- pidiotus concMfm-nius ; "Cockroach," Blatta orientalis ; "Meal-worm," Tenebrio molitor; "Croton-bug," Ectobia germanica; "Grain- weevil," Sitophiliis (jranariiis ; "Bee-moth," Galleria cereana; " CodMng-moth," Carpo- capsa pomonella; "Cabbage-moth," Plutella cruciferarum; "Cabbage (green) Worm," Pierisrapce; "Carpet-moth," Tinea tapetzella ; "Clothes-moth," Tinea vestianella; "Fur- moth," Tinea pelionella; "Currant-borer," JErjeria tipuUforniis ; "Asparagus-beetle," Crioceris asparagi ; "Carpet-beetle," Anthre- nus scropladaria;.; "Museum-beetle," Anthre- nus musorum, and many others more or less noxious. Twenty years ago we received a collection of coleopterous insects from Europe, badly infested witli this last named species, and we have never been able to expel them entirely from our premises since. If there are no insects accesible, they will feed on tooth-brushes, camels' hair brushes, cork, &c., &c. We are not sure that wc have our native species [A. varius) at all. We never had them on our premises until we received that foreign collection ; but from that time we have never been without them, and, as Paddy said, "Bod luck 'till them, anyhow." The carpet-beetle is a subject in which every housekeeper (especially the female heads) has a deep interest, and being thus forewarned they will be wise if they forearm themselves. We admonish them, however, not to expect anything very formidable to the eye. They may see the evil effects of its operations long before they see either the larva or the beetle themselves, but when those effects become apparent they may know their cause. THE SPARROW NUISANCE. The leading article in that excellent scientific monthly, the American Naturalist, is by Dr. Coues, the eminent ornithologist, on the much vexed spar- row question. It is lonp; and minute, and the array of charges brought against that quarrelsome alien is overwhelming. "No man, either in this country or elsewhere, is more competent to discuss this question than Dr. Coues, and what he says we are willing to accept as authority. Ills words will have more weight among naturalists than all the silly senti- mentality which the host of ignorant people who have discussed the sparrow question have brought forward. He calls attention to the fact that the sparrow is foreign to our bird fauna, that there is no place for it, and consequently those who compare its condition in Europe with its present relations here are founding their arguments on a false position. He calls attention to the fact that it is increasing far more rapidly here than in Europe. Here we build houses for it, and feed it regularly, and the law pro- tects it. There they must shift for themselves, like all other birds, and are freely trapped and shot. Dr. Coues advises the same course here. Take away the protection of the law ; cease to feed it ; let who will kill and eat them ; let them be used instead of pigeons at shooting matches ; in this way their increase may be checked and perhaps kept within bounds. Unless this is done he predicts the day will come when our grain fields, gardens and orchards will be so depredated upon that legislative enactments will be called into requisition to check their increase. We advise all interested in this matter to read this arraignment of these pests, and adopt its sugges- tions. They have already found their way into dis- tant Colorado, and will soon spread along the Pacific shores. The fact thiit no other bird known is multi- plying its numbers as this one, is alone sufficient cause for us to adopt remedial steps. None of our native birds are perceptibly increasing, while the sparrows are multiplying at the rate of millious yearly. — New Era. And now that Dr. Coues has spoken— and philosophically spoken, too— lesser lights may receive a more patient hearing ; and we may well wonder why the English sparrow was ever introduced into this country as a specific insect destroyer. And what are they in the recognized systems of ornithological classifica- tion, anyhow? They belong to the great family FiiiNGrLLiD.E, or Finches ; and finches are not classed with insectivorous birds by any means, although during the period of rearing their young they may appropriate a limited number of insects. Cassel, in his natural history of birds, has an illustration which represents the parallelism of mammals and birds, dividing them into eight great classes, although there may be sub or inter- mediate classes. The first is represented by the monkey and the parrot, or frugivorous ; the second by the panther and the falcon, or carnivorous ; the third by the hyena and the vulture, or carrionivorous ; the ft>urth by the tupaia* and the starling, or insectivorous ; the iijth by the field mouse and the sparrow, or granivorous ; the sixth by the antelope and the nepaul,t or herbivorous, (having complex stomachs and feeding upon pasturage and the fruit thereof) ; the seventh Ijy the camel and the ostrich, also herbivorous, but inhabiting the deserts, and provided with immense stomachs ; and the eighth by the seal and the penguin, or piscatorial in their habits. Of course these divisions are but an outline, and perhaps not free from artificiality, but they give the general location and feeding habits of the two great classes of animals they repre- sent. Under any circumstances, it illustrates that sparrows are not generally classed with insectivorous animals, whatever habits they may acquire through domestication, or by proximity to the human family. There is one very singular coincidence connected with the subject, and that is that these sparrows, like all the noxious insects that have been intro- duced into our country from Europe, increase more rapidly, and are more destructive here than they are in their native country ; but strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless a well known and indisputable /act. In tlie foresoing wo have merely intended to localize the sparrow in the system of bird classification, based upon their feeding habits, but to show that neither the opinions of Dr. Coues nor cm- reflections are conclusive to all *An insect-eating mammal, allied tO Hie anteaters. tA kind of horned grouse. minds, we append the following from Dr. Hagen, and the action of the Massachusetts Senate on the vexed subject. We probably shall sift out the truth after awhile. The decisions of the " Nuttall Club," of which a report is given in No. 18 of the Country Gentleman, are based upon observations contradicting in several points the ones which are accepted by science, in the most decided manner. It appears by the report that the club either had no knowledge of these earlier observations, covering a space of more than a cen- tury, and sustained by ornithologists of well-known reputation, or that it did not deem it worth while to compare its own observations with the earlier ones, which ought to have been done to fulfill the well- known demands of science. The sparrow literature is large, and opinions during the past century have considerably changed, until the final decision is most decidedly favorable to its value. Now, when American dealers find it profitable to import seed from Germany, and German dealers find it profitable to export them, it is rather obvious that the sparrows, so exceedingly common in German nursery-gardens, cannot be a pest there, and conse- quently will not be a pest here. Nobody has ever contended that the sparrow is a beauty or a charming singer. Indeed, he is only an indefatigable business man, minding first his own affairs, as is not uncommon amoBg business men. But he is admirably adapted to his business — which is to destroy insects ; he is very enduring, staying through the winter, when few other insect-eating birds are here ; he begins to breed much earlier, and breeds much oftener than other birds, and is, there- fore, more able to give an effective help in the de- struction of insects and weeds. But it is true that he should be supported, as Mr. Allen remarks judi- ciously in the report, though enforcing, by statuary enactments, the protection of the fruit and shade trees by all available means. As no naturalist would pretend that a bird, by im- portation into a foreign, but similar climate, could entirely change its character in a few years, the sparrow question will probably here go through the same, though briefer, stages of opinion as in Europe. I consider the sparrow to he a valuable addition to the native birds, and most certainly beneficial for both horticulturists and farmers.— Zlc. Mafjen in Anieriean Agriculturist . [From the Massachueetts Ploughman.] In March, 1877, an order was introduced in the Massachusetts Senate, by Senator Gregory, concern- inn- English sparrows, and this order was referred to the Committee on Agriculture. The sparrow was and is protected under our laws. The idea of this order was to have this protection removed because of the character and habits of the sparrow. The mat- ter was talked over in committee and a hearing was anno\inced . Quite a number of gentlemen appeared, and the evidence given by them was almost entirely against the sparrow. A few facts may be stated, "Sparrows were introduced into New York some- where about ISCO, and into Boston some five years later— and so far as known they have benefited the trees in these cities. They have increased very rapidly and have driven away many of our native birds. They are naturally quarrelsome. They are not insect-feeding birds, but rather seed-eating. They lirced tremendously— as many as four or five broods in a year, while most birds breed no more than two of three times. Gentlemen living near Boston stated that the sparrows in the suburbs did not disturb the canker worms, but left them for robins and orioles, while they devoured the buds and blossoms on fruit trees. They are great fighters and kill blue birds. One gentleman who had observed the sparrow upon Long Island, stated that they were a great nuisance there, having spread out from New York ; also, that great complaint was made of their doings in the grain-fields about Philadelphia. It is well known that the English people have regarded them as a nuisance for a long time, because of their destructive habits in grain-fields. The same may be said for Northern Prussia and Norway. In Germany, bounties are given for their destruction. In Cuba, a pair of sparrows were introduced in 1862 or 3, and they are now very numerous. In both Cuba and Spain they do immense damage to grain-fields, and are called " Destroyers." The evidence was conclu- sive that, outside of cities and towns, in all countries where they exist, they are an undoubted nuisance to agriculturists. That they drive away other birds which are much to be preferred, both for their musi- cal qualities and their peaceable habits." As a result of this hearing a bill was Introduced and considerable discussion was had in the House. The idea of the bill was to take away the protection now granted to the sparrow. It was shown that this lack of protection would not In all probability affect, unfavorably, the life and growth of the birds in cities and towns, hut would operate to their disad vantage in the country alone. It was shown that the sparrows are already very numerous In many of our Massachusetts towns along the lines of railways —that they were also multiplying in many of our Western States. The principal opposition to the 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 115 measure eamc from Keprfsenlalives from liir^'e lowiiB and eities, who tliouglil tlie trees would Biill'cr wilh- oiil tlie sparrows. There were eumparatively few voles in favor of taking; the Bpnrrow from the list of proteeted hirds. The opinion was then expressed hy one. memlier of the eommitlee that at no distant day strenuous etl'orts would he nuide to rid the eountry of these nests, and I have no doulit our liirmers will soon de- mand somethini,' in the way of le^'islalion and of action in this direetion.— iJin/, Kiijhhl, J/dss., July 18, isrs. OX-EYE DAISY. This noxious weed bi'lon,i;s to the great order (,'oMrosiT.ic, or "C'oiiiposile fiimily," and is f^cnerieally allied to tlio " Wild Camo- mile," and the '-Tansy." It is the Chri/snn- thanum kwanthcmnm of LinnvKUS ; ami the LeufanUicmwin vuhjnrc, of mod(>rn authors; and is locally known under the (•otnmon names of "White" Daisy," "Ox-eye Daisy" and " Whiteweed." It Ls in bloom from the mid- dle of June to the end of AiiRiisl, and has become naturalized in this eoiiutry from Europe, and jirobably is more noxious and spreads more rapidly here than it does in its native country. In fields and meadows it be- comes a most pernicious jiest to the farmer, and the least neglect soon gives it the ujiper liand. We recommended the pulling of it up heavily with an absorViiuK eroii, wo\ild do much towards cheeking its growth. 15ut this would also involve a great deal of jx^rsevering labor, especially where it had overrun a whole farm. Well, all we have to say is, that if we caiinol do this we mii.st te content to keep it and make the most of it. It is a hardy weed and will bear nuteh rough usage. DUROC, OR JERSEY RED PIGS. Time was when farmers would have re- jected a red pig for the same reason that they would have a black one, namely : that "some- how " they never believed tliat either red pigs or l)Iack i)igs would ever tln-ive— they are too ntnninq, and nothing that is cunning will get fat. That thin theory has, liowever, been resolved into thin air long ago by the intro- duction of the 15erkshu-es,"tho Poland-Chinas and the Duuoc, on Jkhsey Hkds. Long since the fariuers of Eastern remisylvania, New .h'rsey and i)arts of New Yorkhav(^ been acquainted with a bre<'d of swine known as the ".lersey Heds." These animals have be- come groat favorites on account of their very hue, small bone ; their long, deep round body ; their good feeding qualities, and their hai'dy constitution— fundamental (pialities always essential in securing unqualified thrift in had imported a pair of red pigs from England, and the present stock is the posterity of tliat lirsl importation. Tliis breed of »wine is said to be related to the old and original lirecd of lierksliires, some of which were of a sandy color ; and, of course, so far as concerns tlio ancient blood, must be purer than the present race of IJcrk.-iliires, pos.scssing, however, the additional qualities developed throufrh modern improvement. There are many other points of interest upon which the swiiiebrceder may inform himself by sending to the proprietors, a.s aliove named, and obtaining a descriptive catalogue. _ STEADY DEMAND FOR SUMAC. There is a steady market at present for the leaven of the Willi euniae whleh grows njion the hills and "eommons" of Berks county, the demand belnR irreater than the supply. The leavfs are much used in the tanning of .Moroeeo leather, for the manufac- ture of dyes, and other puriKJses. In some loealltle* Mil' gathcrlni; of sumae at this seasou of the year Is (piito an Industry. The hranehes of the sumac hushes are broken off, loaded u|)on hay wagons, and after heing cured, conveyed to the nearest railroad station where they arc loaded In freight cars auJ shipped to the dealers, mostly I'hlladclplila and Haltimorc wholesale leather houses. In West Coealico township, Laneastei' county, near the line of Berks, tons of sumac were formerly gathered and shipped annually. The yield of sumac on the Here. (root and branch) and by that we do not mean merely pulling it off, for, like the " Canada thistle," tliis'plant propagates itself from the small fragments of the roots which are left in the ground. It should be pulled up when the ground is soft and saturated by a good rain. Cutting it oir, or mowing it olT, or even burn- ing it olV, would not reach the case, tniless the he'at was sutlicieiit to penetrate the ground and kill the roots. A slow steady pull, when the ground is soft, and this continued as often as it appears above the ground in tufts large enough to obtain a hold, would soon eradicate it. This process would doubtless be too laborious and occupy too much time for the fanner, or discourage him too much to make any attempt to ex- terminate it ; and if it occurred as abundantly on a farm of ours as we have seen it in Dela- ware, New Jersey, and even in some parts of Pennsylvania, we should be deterred from making any attempt to eradicate it by pulling it up. Another remedy is to mow it off, dry it and then burn it, before it mattires its seed; after which a shallow plowing, and manipu- lating the soil with close-toothed hand-rakes, to sift out the roots— which should also be dried and burned— or plowing it down deeply with a sub-soil plow, and then cropping it W.ATLEE BURPEE. swine. Our illustration, carefully drawn and engraved from a living specimen, as bred by W. Atlee r.iTra'EE& Co., of No. 221 Church street, riiiladelphia, is a fair representation of the stock, and exhibits to any one who has attained to reliable iiorcine jiulgment, the superior qualities of the breed. Some years ago these excellent hogs were taken in hand by some breeders more than usually careful, aiul have since been greatly improved, al- though previously of a very high character, so that at the present time this breed will successfully challenge comparison with any other whatever for all the valuable points which make swine desirable or prolitable. It has been noticed of late that these red hogs have become widely distributed. In the well- known and critical breeding State of Ken- tucky, they have been received with distin- guished favor, and large sales of them have been made. At the National SwinebreedcTs, Convention, held at Indianapolis, in ISTl, this excellent breed received a most emphatic endorsement, and it was decided to name it the DUKOC, and it is now known under tliat name by those who give any attention to swinebreeding. Tins name is derived from a celebrated horse of that name, owned by Mr. II. Kelsey fifty years ago, who then aheady COPY HIGHTEO' ford hills in the eastern portion of this county, is reported to be very large this year. — Keading Tiiiut. Wo have often noticed allusions, in the iniblic press, to tlie growing demand for this shrub in tlie manufacttirc of Morocco and similar leathers, and we have often wondered that it wxs not utilized when we have seen it growing in abundance where very little else would prow. And now when labor is becom- ing so precarious, ami the honest laliorer is anxious to do something to provide for his family the necessaries of life, it has seemed to us that a limited field might l>e opened here for wiUiiig hands. Should those who own the land lea.se, or donate the privilege of gather- ing sumac on their farms— if they did not care about embarking in the busines-s themselves— they would bi^ doing a noble charity, indeed, for'it would be fostering that genuine chanty which "helps a man to help himself." Ca.shew, or sumac, is all referable to the genus lihvs, and constitutes the family An.\car- DiAC.K. There are six recognized species in the United States, which are divideisadium ; the first con- taining three species, the second tiro, and the third ime. It is those species which belong to the first group, namely, lihns typhina, " stag- 116 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ August, horn sumac ;" R. glabra, "smooth sumac;" and B. cojMltina, "dwarf sumac," tliat are generally used for tanning purposes. To the second group belongs the two poison species, namely: the Bhns vene7iata, "poison sumac," and the li. toxicodendron, '■'■ iwison ivy," the latter of which is the well known creeper, and which some persons cannot even approach to the windward without being poisoned. "What its tanning qualities might be we are not aware of, but as it is not the most abundant species, it should be severely let alone, except to grub it out and remove it from the premises during the whiter season. Tlie thiril group contains the Rhus aromatka, " fragrant sumac," described as a low, straggling bush, the crushed leaves of which are sweet-scented. These dill'ereut species of sumac grow from two feet to thirty feet in height, and in some localities they are very abundant ; so much so that in looking over large districts of it we have often thought it must surely have been permitted for some useful purpose. There are many products of the soil, the uses of which are not yet fully developed, and this seems to be one of them. Our increasiag necessities may in time fully utilize this. REMINDER FOR AUGUST. In the Middle States, the work of this month does not vary materially from the mouth just closed. Cabbage, for winter use, may head if planted at once. Celery earth up ; plant for future use. Endive plant. Beans, Bush or Snap, plant ; tender Snaps, gathered late in autumn, may be preserved in strong brine (salt and water) for winter use, and vary but little from those freshly gathered. Lettuce sow in drills to head. Peas sow. This vegetable is a delicacy in autumn, and should more frequently appear at table. Landreth's Extra Early, sown latter end of month and beginning of next, perfect before frost. Spinach sow, for autumn use ; for winter use, sow next month, lladishes sow, the Spanish for winter. Golden Globe and Turnip-rooted for autumn use. Kuta Baga sow without delay, if not already done. Should the ground be dry, work thoroughly and sow in the dust ; the seed may vegetate with the first shower. A roller, to compress the soil, sometimes promotes vegetation ; but there is this disadvantage, if heavy dashing rain immediately ensue the ground packs and the seed is lost. Yellow Aberdeen, Pomeranean Globe and Amber Globe Turnips sow early in the month ; also, the German Sweet, don't forget it ; the Early Dutch and Red-Topped, both Strap-leaved varieties, may be sown until the first of September, though it is well to sow at least a portion earlier, as at a late day it is difficult to remedy a failure. Read re- marks under head of July. — Landrclli's Ru. Reg. AUGUST CATERPILLARS. The cateriiillars found during the month of August on young apple trees are commonly called "red-humped" because of the raised red spot on the first segment of the abdomen. The moth of which they are the young is known in science as Notodonta concinna. Smith. The moth deposits its eggs some- times in the month of July in clusters on the under side of the leaf. When first hatched the caterpillars eat only the underside of the leaf, but afterwards, as they grow larger and stronger, they eat the entire leaf. They are gregarious in their habits, and, when resting, cluster together and sometimes entirely coyer small twigs and ends of branches. Tlie early broods come to their full growth by the middle of August, the others by the latter part of September. They are easily destroyed by gathering when found in a cluster ; and although in some seasons they may appear in numbers, If attended to properly they can be easily managed. Since if left undisturbed, they destroy the leaves, and these are neces- sary to the health of the tree, their unmo- lested presence is of course dangerous to the trees they infest.— iJwraZ JVei« Yorker. AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. Pennsylvania State Fair, Erie, September 2.3 to 27. Oxford Agricultural Society, (Ches- ter county,) Oxford, September 2.5 to 27; Schuylkill County Agricultural Society, Or- wigsburg, September 23 to 2.3 ; Chester County Agricultural Society, West Chester, Sept. 19 to 21 ; Franklin County Agricultural Society, Chamborsburg, Oct. 8 to 11 ; Lehigh County Agricultural Society, Allentown, September 21 to 27 ; York County Agricultural Society, York, October 2 to 4 ; Montgomery County Agricultural Society, Ambler Park, September 23 to 26 ; Northumberland County Agricultu- ral Society, Dewart, October 1 to 3 ; CUimber- land County Agricultural Society, Carlisle, October 1 to 4 ; Farmers' and Mechaiucs' Institution, Easton, October 1 to 4 ; Gratz Driving Park (Dauphin county), Gratz, Sep- tember 24 to 27 ; Agricultural and Industrial Association of Schuylkill County, Ringtown, September 17 to 20. CORRESPONDENCE. West Chester, July .31, 1878. Mr. Rathvon — Sir: I send you by this mail a box containing two bees. You will observe a "some- thing" sticking to their legs and feet. It is gotten accidentally, whilst gathering honey from liowers ; and, on alighting on the front of the hive they are immediately caught by the other bees and dragged off. If they enter the hive they are hauled out and dumped overboard. They are not allowed the privi- lege of entering their own home, although willing to work. This is very hard usage indeed. I would be pleased to know the flowers from whence they get the substance alluded to above. I would pull them up or cut them down with pleasure. They seem to contain a very small black seed with a straw attached ; and at the outer end it is forked, with an attachment resembling the wings of a fly. It will require a strong magnifying power to see them prop- erly. Yours respectfully, Wm. J. P. P. S. — This troublesome pest is only at this season of the year— about the first of August. W. J. P. Your box and bees came safely to hand and seem to be infested by the eggs of a parasite, although just what species would be difficult to determine from the eggs alone. Your healthy bees are wise — very wise indeed — and do just what human beings would do, in a similar case, if they were' destitute of hu- manity. The occupants of this hive simply obeyed the first law of nature, which is "self- preservation." Human beings would have put their fellow-beings under quarantine, or have sent them to a hospital, or some other similar place to prevent infection, the same as they do in cases of leprosy, smallpox or cholera. The small, black, seed-like processes are not present in all cases ; but, on the contrary, some of these apparent eggs are directly at- tached to a sort of foot-stalk, which adheres to the femer, the tibia and the feel, and one was found attached to the rostrum or tongue. Sometimes there are two find sometimes only one attached to a single foot-stalk. Under a microscope they have the form of the winged seeds of the maple. They look thick and fleshy, and of the color of amber, or like the chromate of potassium in color. We could not designate any particular flowering plant upon which these eggs are deposited by the parent of them, for tliey are likely to be found on any plants that are likelj' to be visited by bees. Nor are we able to offer any better remedy than that which the bees themselves have adopted, "hard " as it may appear ; and we cannot but admire their highly-wrought instinct, if we dare not call it reason. There are several coleopterous insects that are parasitic upon bees, promi- nent among which is the "Oil-beetle," [Meloe) ; also, a species of Clerus; and Stylops pecMi, wliich is the type of a distinct order. It however can hardly be the latter insect, as its larva is footless, and could hardly find its way into the body of the bee after its exclu- sion from the egg ; although Westwood men- tions a case where a number of tlie larva; of Stylopid.e were crawling among the hairs on the abdomen and legs of an allied species to the bee. It is possible they may be tlie eggs of a member of the family Ichneu- MONiDiE, of which there are a very large number of species — running into the hun- dreds— and there are very few insects that are not more or less infested by these parasites ; even the parasites themselves are suliject to them. In Westwood's Introduction, or rather classification. Vol. II., p. 146, and fig. 76-9, he alludes to species of Sphinctus and Panis- cus, which deposit pedunculated eggs on or in the bodies of other insects, and No. 9 of his fig. 76 is just the form of the eggs on your bees. The footstalk or peduncle differs some- what from yours, coming out of the side in- stead of the end, but even those on your beee are not uniform in this respect ; in some cases they are very nearly like those figured by Westwood. Now, after all that has been said, there is still a lurking thought which suggests the possibility of its being a fungus ; for through the transparent integument the internal con- tents seem to be concreted, the interstices be- tween the concretions exhibiting reticulations on the outer surface ; moreover, two or three of these lobes or eggs had a stiff filament or spine growing from the side and end ; one or two also had little tubercular elevations, from which it might be supposed a filament would eventually have grown. Finally, Dr. Packard, on page 165 of his "Guide to the Study of Insects," figures the tarsus of a wasp, with pollen masses of the wild cotton plant {Asdepias) attached to the hairs and claws, which strongly, in outline at least, resemble those on your bees, so that possibly this may lead to a solution of the question. As you are in the business of bee-culture, and more favorably situated for making practical observations than we are, we therefore must refer the sub- ject back to you again for further investiga- tion, and if you give us the results we will publish them. A Curious Bird Shot. Oregon, Aug. 2, 1878. Prof. Rathvon : I send you by the bearer a bird which was shot here yesterday, near the mill dam, by Adam S. Bard. I have no work on natural history by me, and besides know little of birds, anyway. I would be glad to have you determine what It is. — Respectfully yours, A. F. H. Your bird, as nearly as I was able to deter- mine, (remote from books and comparing specimens, ) is known in various localities as the "fish-eagle," "fish-hawk," "fish-kite," " flsh-royer " and "osprey," [Pandion halia- etus, of Lin. and Cuv : Ca,rolinensis of Bonp. ) If the common names are confusing, it is still worse in its scientific nomenclature, for this bird, in its bibliography, has received twenty- four synonyms, six of which are generic, namely : Falco, Aquila, Pandion, Accipiter, Balbusarchus and Triorches; almost enough to deter any one, with limited time and means, from studying book ornithology, at least. It has been considered as the connecting link between the eagles and the hawks. It is cos- mopolitan in its habitat, although the Ameri- can and the Australian varieties have been currently regarded as distinct species, under the specific names of Carolinensis and Leuco- cephalus. It is migratory in its habits, and makes its appearance in our county in March, and leaves in October, according to meteoro- logical conditions. Its normal food is fish, and its haunts are only in proximity to streams, ponds, lakes and bays. It is said to also prey upon frogs, newts and other reptiles, but the general record is that it does not attack other birds except in self-defence. The bald eagle, our national emblem, is the greatest foe of the osprey ; not that he offers violence to the bird itself — he has as much interest in its physical condition as a Mexican has in that of his mule — but, robber-like, he watches it until it has caught a fine fish, and then he darts down upon it from his perch and compels the osprey to relinquish its property to the greedy grasp of the eagle. If everything visible is but the outbirth or ultimate of something invisible, (whether from above, intermediate or below,) then our forefathers committed an error in selecting the bald eagle as our national em- blem. He is aot by any means a noble bird, an I 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. il7 independent bird, or an lioucst liird. (Jraiitinf; that under tlie realm of nature the world owes him a livinR, and that he lias a natural rij^lit to ai>propriate as mueli as is necessary to sus- tain him, yet instead of obtaininj; it immedi- ately from tlie storehouse of nature, and by his own ellbrts, he meanly waits until he sees what he desires in the jiossession of the in- dustrious and provident osprey, and then through superior strength, and by theft or fraud lie "i,'obbles it up." It has been intimated to us that the osprey had been susjieeted, or detected, in depre- datiiij; upon chickens in the southern part of our county. Well, we suppose he is a j'^'J- gressiir bird, and as ])ro£?ressive humanity "geenis to have almost reached the climax of depredation upon the property of others, it would not l)e much of a W(mder if the f^eneral demoralization had contaminated the subjects of the feathered family. Phylloxera Vastatrix. Mr. Alex. Harberger recently hrouijht to our office (the Laxcastcr InlcUiijcncer) a bunch ol'frrape loaves, ou the lower surface of each one of which there were {rrowing; large numbers of curious little blossoms. The matter being submitted to Dr. S. S. Kathvoii, that eminent aavant writes of it as follows : The grape branch is infested with the foliage variety, or form, of the "Grape Phylloxera," and the best thing that can be done for them is to cut off all the infested brandies and scald them thoroughly, or burn them. It is the root variety, or form, of this insect which has been so destructive to the vineyards of France, and for an unfailing remedy for the dcstniction of which a standing premium of some 200,000 francs is offered by the French (Jovernment and the Academy of Sciences of Paris, which, we believe, has not yet been awarded. Of course, there are conflicting opinions among distinguished entomologists as to whether the two varieties are not two very distinct species, or whether they are not only ditVerent forms of the same species. Many practical observations have been made, and much has been written in support of and against these antagonistic opinions, without having reached a conclusion that is satisfac- tory to all. With the leaf varictj', however, and as long as they confine themselves to the leaves, there does not seem to be much difli- culty in destroying them if they are taken in time, and that time \?. judnow ; even if it cost all the new growth of ihe present season. But it will not require the removal of all the new growth, as these insects generally operate on tlie tender leaves, near or at the very ends of tlie vines, these being tlie most succulent and aitnrdiug them the most abundant repast. At least twenty species of Pliylloxera have been detected in the United States, and the largest number of tlu'se have been named and described. In addition to the grape, they are found on tlie hickory, the oak, the beach, the liazel, the sumtic and other trees ami shrubs. They are very proliflc and possess the possi- bilities of spreading rapidly ; but they are also very fragile, and liable to adverse casualties ; besides, they are preyed upon by jiarasites and other animals. If any one will take the trouble to cut open one of the tubercles, or galls, of the grape leaf, he will lind a cavity containing the dead body of a female ])hyl- loxera (perhaps too mucli depleted to recog- nize) and from fifty to one hundred light, sulphur-colored eggs, and young, living and moving phylloxeras, too minute to be satis- factorily examined without the use of a pocket microscope. Later in the season the larger palls will crack open, and through the fissures the young will escape and extend the area of their opera- tions, keeping pace with the growth of the vines. Indeed they have already done this, and no doubt are doing it now. But they are such exceedingly "small people "—such insect lilliputians — that nobody suspects their pres- ence, and the glowing excrescences upon their grape leaves they attribute to chance — a mere freak of nature. But, small as they are, they possess a very peculiar and a very wonderful power. The little animal, having escaped from the parent cell, locates itself on a tender and juicy leaf and penetrates the integument with its little proboscis, anil immediately pro- ceeds t(j " make its living." Curious enough the wound it makes, aiul perhaps also a liipiid which it infuses into it, soon causes such a diversion of the Siiji as to raise up a vegetable wall all antiiuil it, which finally develops Ihe rough gall which is so conspicuously present uiion tlie leaves. Within this sii" another family is procreated, and so on until the end of the season. Of ('oiirse they do the vines no good, and may do much harm. If they really do attack tlu^ roots when there are no more leaves, to kill them nmo will be wise. I'"">U THH iMNCASTEn Faumek. PRICKLY-ASH. This we llud growing on the banks of the Oonestoga, near Lancaster, and rocky woods in numerous localities. Mr. Colden named it originally Xanlliwi/lum, signifying ydlow ifood. The spelling. Dr. Bigclow re- marks, has since been unaccountably changed to Zrintlioxi/him in a majority of books which mentions this shrub. I find Dr. Grav also changes the X of Golden to '/., and places the shnib among the Uutai-ecr ov Tlue tamily. Our species is known as the Zanthaxyium Amcri- cnnum — a prickly shrub, with yellowish-green flowers apiiearing willi the leaves ; bark, leaves and pods very pungent and aromatic. The cut gives an idea of the comiiound leaves and prickles as well as the grouiis of berry- like pods or fruit. The detached figures show a stamen, an abortive germ of the barren flower, anthers only, fertile with pistils only, as also a jierfect flower. The flowers appear in April and May before the leaves arc ex- panded ; tlie.se grow in ses.silc umbels, near the origin of the young branches. The three kinds of llowers can be found on the same shrub, and this makes them strictly polyga- mous. Medicinally, it was known by the older writers as the Xantlioxyhim fraxincum. Fraximis being the botanical name for the ash, hence called prickly-a.sh ; but science fluctuates and changes names, though the jilants remain the same. The truth is, the powdered liark in doses of ten and twenty grains has proved highly beneficial in rheu- matic affections. It produces a sense of heat, and facts arc upon record that it effectually removed the comjilaint in a few days. Dr. George Ilayward, of Boston, informs us that he took a decoction in his own case, made by boiling an ounce of the bark in about a quart of water, having an attack of chronic rhou- matism, with eviilent relief ; iiboiit a pint of the decoint of fact analogous to that of Mezoreon and Guaia(!um, and quite a.s valuable. It is singul.'ir that it ha.s a common name of " Toothaclie-tnu? ;" a name also given to the '^ Aralia spinostt," v/U\vh is also called ./I n- eci- nieu of the Aralia xpitiosa in Lancjister county, and that was many years ago, grow- ing in Mr. Cassel's yard, iu Marietta, where I first learned to know it bv the name of "Toothache-tree" and I'rickhi-Ash. They belong to veiy distinct orders of plants, and such errors should be corrected. — J. StauJJer. THE CROP OF THE STATE. The So.se that wheat was82..'JU i)er bushel when gold was (luoled at 250, then SI. 00 in gold would buy one bushel of wheat ; now, if wlieat would \h: (|Uoterofit, and the pro- duction will now cease or be curtailed until the consumption is greater than the produc- tion, and in the degree that the two vary so will the price rise or fall. — A. B. K. For The Lancarteu Farmkii. AROUND THE FARM— No. lo. Several months ago 1 promised to furnish readers with a list of tools 1 found handy to have "around the farm." The first thing necessary is a room of suitable size, say 2() feet long ami as wide as convenient. This room should be \w\\ lighted at least on one side where a work-ljench should be erected two and one-half feet high and as wide. The tool chest should contain the following tools : A cross-cut haud-saw, a rip saw, a key-hole saw, 1 brace and set of bits from quarter inch to inch, increasing by sixteenths, I doz. gimlet or spoon bits of dilTereut sizes, screw-driver, reamer, and countersink lo fit brace, 1 gauge, 1 drawing knife, 1 sjioke- shave. six chisels from \ to 2 inches, a mallet, nail hammer, hatchet, common axe, 1 broad- axe (short handle), 1 screw-wrench, 1 strong screw-driver, 1 steel square, 1 small try-square, chalk line, three planes — jack, short pointer and smoothing ; steel nail-punch, wood rasp, an assortment of files and a pair of strong nippers. Foi harness repairing, some copper rivets of different lengths, with punch to make holes through leather, will enable you to mend anything about harness. A heavy block of wood will be found useful in the shop to work upon in hewing and i)unching, etc. We must not forget the grindstone, one of the most necessary articles "around the farm." Once you have the tools don"t forget to keep them in order. Working with dull or rusty tools is poor satisfaction. It will require some attention to keej) them in order, but it is quite essential if one wislies to work with success. I have also made a box with com- partments, each holding two or three pounds of nails, which I kcej) filled with sizes rang- ing from 4(1 up to 2Ud. While another box has screws of all sizes, brass tacks, clout nails, rivets, &c., in fact everything in the small nail line wliich one may possibly want on the farm, while I don't neglect to keep an a.ssort- inent of bolts of sizes to fit such wagons and machinery as is usual "around the farm." A good set of useful tools, such as we have named, will soon save enough to pay for them- selves and aflbrd anuisenient and satisfaction to every member of the family. Don't be afraid to let the boys handle the tools, al- tliough they spoil some and cut their fingers in the bargain. Let them make kites, toy boats, windmills and many other contrivances their busy minds will suggest, as nothing tends to give them skill with tools like early jiractice. Besides, while they are engaged with tools they are not on the streets or in mischief, and by tending to make liomc at- tractive to them it may give a partial solution to that threadbare (piestion : " How can wo keep the boys on the farm ?" The writer of this, while growing up from a lad, had the advantage of the use of carpenter tools in all kinds of farm work ; he can speak from experience, and not oidy believes but knows, that a knowledge of the use of tools, and how to do work of all kinds, is the best liarl of a liberal education. It fits a man for almost any avocation in life, and makes him more nearly indeiiendent in a grapple with the world than a pile of money or a college degree without such skill. Together with good bleeding, jiroper study and studious thought and practice, it should make a perfect farmer. — liura list . Fur TlIK I.ANlASTKn FAnMKK. REVU OF JULY NUMBER. The Ckcrnj CVoj).— The editor's remarks and strictures under this lied ar wel worth rc- rcding. Lancaster Cherry. — Judging from the re- jiorts ov yur societe, this mustprova valuable aqnisition to our list. Jiriijhton Grape. — This.luks wel on paper, but we hav also tested it and think it worthy ov trial. (hu- Whtat Cro;;.— This articl contains som gud hits and hints, but iis ther ar som poiuts stil unsettled, ujion which II. II. E. and P. S. II. hav erosed sords, we ma exi>ect another contest next seson. We lik to se thes litl controversies very much, for tha help to whill things to finer points. Dqyrahkirmx of Insects.— This is a mater ov mor than ordinary importance. The editor ov The F.mj.mei! has sed and riten so much and so wel upon this subject, but it requirs* gud del ov hamering to get pepl to giv any lied to it, xcept when the insects destroy cntir crops. Hdtiny a rioxo.—J. G. no dout nos what he rits about. It wil requir no extra cxpcns to try it. r/ie 7/o?icy Uee.— We fer J. T.'s nu theory on queens wil requir further ventilation. We very much dout that tha kep mor than one quen in one hiv a grat whil. Itandnm Thought.^.—A. B. K. is alwas on hand with something practical. He pases som stricturs on our opinion ov the progresiv- ness ov farmers. « )ur criticisms were intended only for thos hum the .shu fits, and we can- didly belcv it fits a gud many. No credit to thos hu ar mad to progress by fore of circum- stances only. Enf/Innd's Qreat J^or?/i.— This must l)e a grand affar, and ov grat promis, but we hop Uncle Sam wil start .somthing to tet it. The Millers'' Convention.— "W^ hop this wil not be a short livd societe. Scientific Potato Culture.— We don't under- stand which end the Frenchman cals the top, and so we can't get up a controversy with him. mnning Fruit. — This is a subject that is not likly to lie repeated tu often. The injury to tres and the los by groing inferior frut, by leting tres overbar, is enormous, and thining wud be atended lo if 1*1)1 cud only be induced to try it. Whijyping Horses.— Tl^a articl contains xcelent advic as to treatment ov horses, but the contrast with treatment ov thildren is not a far one, for many children ar whiped lik horses. 7/oi/; to Choose a Good Cancaster Farmee. STRAWBERRY CULTURE. The strawberry season is over, and as the time for making new jilantings is coming on it may not be unprofitable to compare notes as to varieties, productiveness, time to plant, &c. Strawberries will grow in a variety of soils, but do best in a rich, porous soil that does not become baked in dry weather. My soil becomes extremely hard, and owing to dry June weather, for five or six years past, the crop was somewhat of a failure. I have been cultivating the strawberry for a quarter of a century, and have in that time tested many varieties. I commenced with Early Scarlet, Crimson Cone, Buist's Prize, and Hovey's Seedling. About that time the Som- Wilson came in, and which we have been trying ever since to supersede, by the intro- duction, from time to time, of the following varieties : Boston Pine, Black Prince, Burr's New Pine, Troliope's Victoria, Longworth's Pro- lific, Seedling Eliza, Ida, Ladies' Pinre, Rus- sel's Prolific, French's Seedling, McAvoy's Superior, Green Prolific, Downer, Nicanor, Jucunda, Kentucky, Triumph de Gand, Agri- culturist, Star of the West, Green Prolific, Seth Boyden, Charles Downing, and a host of others, the names of wh ich I cannot now recall. These were gathered in at a price ranging from 25 cents to S5.00 a dozen. But the Sour Wilson, like Bantpio's Ghost, will not be put down. Among the whole of the above list there is Ijut one that makes a show in competing with it in productiveness and profit to the raiser, and that one is the Charles Dowiiing. This is a better colored and better flavored berry, and in productiveness is nearly or quite a match for the Wilson. Another year or two will decide which is entitled to the "belt." This contest has been one prin- cipally of profit to the market gardener. The amateur's growing desire is quality first, and then as much productiveness as can be crowded in. This desire, or want, is very well understood by pei'sons engaged in pro- ducing new varieties, and especially well by those sharpers known as " tree agents," who annually flood the county with new varieties that are large, productive, good. (V) The favorable notice that Monarch of the West, Cumberland Triumph, Crescent, Great Ameri- can and several others have received, would show that the new ones are not quite all humbugs. In selecting a piece of ground for a straw- berry patch let it be nearly level. The amount of hoeing required, and the frequent heavy rains we have will tell you the reason for the above advice. Manure and cultivate your ground same as if you were making a good garden. For amateur patches I prefer to plant three rows about fifteen inches apart in a bed, and the plants the same distance apart in the rows, with a space of from 2i to 3 feet between the beds. This gives room for the plants to develop and also standing room for working. The time to plant is any time in the growing season that you have good plants. This is usually early in the spring, and is, under the usual circumstances, about the only good time to plant. If you raise your own plants you can, when they become strong, lift them out with a trowel, w^ith the earth adhering to tliem, and plant at any time, with a pros- pect of having a good crop next season. Or, if you have your plants to buy, it will pay to contract with your nurseiyman to layer in pots the number of plants you want. Plants grown in this way have so many ad- vantages that they are well worth the addi- tional cost. Plants thus ]int up can be had from $1.50 to S3.00 per hundred, price ranging according to variety and season. When the planting is properly done the work is by no means finished. Tlien cultivation is in order. The best rule I ever saw practiced wiis to hoe once a week during the entire season, weeds or no weeds, and at the same time keeping off all the runners. Late in the foil, when no more weeds will grow, it is well to give them a light mulching with coarse stable manure. In the spring this mulch may be taken from the crown of the plants, but may remain between the plants to keep the fruit clean. Weeds at this season should be pidled. As soon as the fruit is over, the once a week hoeing can be resumed. It rarely pays to keep a bed longer than three years. By ])lant- ing a new bed every year a rotation of thrifty beds can be ket up. — C. H., Conestoija. Awi.. 1878. LETTER FROM NORTH CAROLINA. Salisbury, N. C, July 27, 1878. Editor L.\nc aster Farmer : The wheat and oats crop has been gathered, and much of both threshed out. The wheat crop is about a half one in this (Rowan) county, and some inferior in the grain. Oats sown last fall turned out well, but that sown the past spring is short in quantity and quality. Early Irish potatoes turned out well in quantity and quality. Corn, so for as I can learn, bids tolerably fair ; so does cotton and tobacco. Apples are a short crop ; peaches, pears, plums and prunes are plentiful. Apples, peaches and pears are defective ; I attribute this to the cold weather when fruit trees were in bloom. Grajjes at this time promise a good cro]), both in quantity and quality. The hay crop is good and plentiful. Our garden crops, generally speaking, turned out well. In the month of June the weather was cool, and the latter part of June and first part of July very dry weather, and part of the time very warm, but within a fortnight past we had fine and seasonable rains here. I see in newsi)apers published in your county that politics there as well as here seem to be the leading topic of the day. I say, more bread and meat and less "fuss and feathers. " I could say more but do not wish to occupy the space of more able writers. — M. R. LETTER FROM IOWA. Holland, Grundy county, Iowa, ) August 10th, 1878. J Editor Farmer : Our farmers are about through with their harvest work, and thresh- ing has commenced in good earnest. During the cutting of the wheat crop great fears were entertained of a very light crop, some farmers becoming quite despondent ; many were on the verge of starvation with full granaries and a reasonable crop in prospect. It must be remembered that we, with the rest of man- kind, are blessed with chronic grumblers — those "never will be satisfied" sort of fellows. The wheat suffered some from the hot wave that passed over the United States, though in reality this State has suft'ered less than some others. A variety of wheat, the "Lost Nation," tested for the first time this spring, proved almost worthless. The old standard varieties, especially the bearded, yield from three-fourths to a full crop. Yesterday we saw wheat brought into market which weighed 58 lbs. per bushel, 21 bushels per acre, the berry being fine and plump. There are some fields that do not average this, pos- sibly not over 12 to 15 bushels, though taking it all in all our farmers certainly have no cause to complain. The oats crop yields enormous, and corn from present appearance, promises over a full crop, the weather being very favorable to its early maturity. The hay crop is very fine, both in quality and quantity. Insect depredations thus far have amounted to nothing whatever. Potato bugs have been very few ; I do not believe that a pound of Paris green has been sold to farmers in this section of country. The fruit crop has done well thus far, and is in the market at low rates. Of hogs there has been rather a falling off, the low lu-ices of last fall having caused farmers to sell ofE many of their breeding sows ; thus there will possibly not be as much pork raised in this county as there waa last fall, though I understand some of our farmers have from 500 to 2,000 head, which a Lancas- ter county farmer would think was sufficient to all "intents and purposes." This county (Grundy) is as fine a farming county as there is in the State, as good a one as there is out of doors, though it labors under the want of a better system of farm- ing ; too much of the lands are yet farmed under the primitive western system — sort of robbery. If some of your Lancaster county farmers would have this land they would raise magnificent crops. If you, Mr. Editor, would see how some of the land is farmed you would not be surprised at a "practical" failure of crops, but rather would query how it was that anything grew worth mentioning. That there are some good farmers here caimot be denied, but they are like angels' visits ; they get along well, are making money and liave things in good shape ; while, on the other baud, there are a large number here who are land poor ; came here, saw the beautiful lands spread out before them, and could not with- stand the temptation of putting all their money in land, even purchasing on "tick" and paying a heavy interest, thus giving themselves and their properties over to that hideous monster, "debt," and are now in ex- tremely straitened circumstances. For in- stance, I know of a farmer near this place owning 1,250 acres of fair land ; he has his land farmed, receiving the one-third as his share ; keeps one cow and three horses ; a few hogs, which he sells when fattened, and pur- chases hams at 14 cents per pound and lard at 12 cents. Is it a wonder that he is poor ? He may be seen from early morning till late in the evening loafing at the grocery, talking politics, while his farm is going to sticks as rapidly as possible. What Ljtncaster county farmer, with the same amount of energy and perseverance, would last long ? Is it much wonder times are hard with him ? Would that some Lancaster county farmer had hold of this place. AVe have had an extremely favor- able season for growing crops ; plenty of rain and warm weather, which put tilings ahead with astonishing rapidity. I do wish some of your county folks would visit this section of Iowa and see the beautiful farming lands. — Yours, W. H. S. ^ SOWING TURNIP SEED. We know how much depends on our cotton, wheat and corn crops, and just about as much depends in England on the turnip crop. It is the great crop of aU on which the prosperity of English agriculture chiefly turns. To show how carefully it is managed, we give an ex- tract from a recent prize essay in regard to sowing the seed. It might be added that it refers to the Swede, a turnip which is sown there about the end of May : "As drilling on the flat is the most general mode of cultiva- tion we shall therefore consider that if the weather is very dry it may be bad policy to plow the land just before drilling, but to scarify instead, which will destroy the weeds without losing the moisture so essential towards vegetating the seed. The manure to be applied must to some extent depend upon the state of the land previously, because if the ground is full of manure from former cultiva- tion, 3 cwt. of superphosphate per acre with a few ashes, or line chalk, will prove an ample dressing. On the other hand if the land is poor, 2 cwt. of Peruvian guano may be applied per acre, but not with the drill, as we have known it to kill the seed, and therefore prefer to sow it broadcast after tlie plants are strong, and horse-hoe immediately afterwards. If it is sown broadcast when the seed is drilled it encourages the weeds without benefiting the young i)lants iu tlie same proportion. It de- cided upon the distance at which the seed should be drilled. After many years of ex- periments upon this i)oint we prefer twenty inches between the rows, and leaving the plants at fifteen or eighteen inches apart in the lines, according to the nature of the soil, the only exception being on liind more than usually subject to annual weeds. It is best then to drill the seed at twenty-four to twenty- seven inches between the lines in order to facilitate horse-hoeing, and at this distance the plants may be left closer in the lines so as to obtain not less than 120 plants to the rod. We like to drill about two and a half to three 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. -121 pounds of seed i)er acre, as tliis not only allows for dosti uction by llio oncniics, siu'li as wirc-wonn, grub and lly, but the plants };i-o\v fa.stor in their infancy wlicii thickly .seeded. With rcspe<'t to lioeini; we have often, wlien the plant has lieen tliick and re;,'ular, been induced to horse-hoe aei'oss the drills and to set the hoc at twelve inches wide, which will leave the plants in bundles at rather more than that distance apart. 'l"he labor of hand- hoeing is thus diminished, and the i)lants may be singled by hand by women. It is, how- ever, most essential at the time of hand-hoe- ing, and in singlinglhese |ilants always to leave the strongest plants, and the iioinl is more to be regardcnnnon turnips in a future article." EXPERIMENTS IN WHEAT AND OATS. Till' following is the rrjxut of .fohn 1. ( 'arter, Sui)erintendent of the Kastern Experimf^ntal Farm, of varieties of wheat and oats tested for the season of 1S7S. Doubtless our coun- try readers will find much practical informa- tion in it : Experiments with Wheat. The ground used in these experiments was a wheat stubble, plowed soon after harvest. It lay until September 2."), when a light dress- ing of fertilizers was sown on it, and re- plowed, shallow. On September 'J8 the fol- lowing varieties were sown (broadcast) on eight acre plots, at the rate of two bushels per acre. When threshed the following was the result : VABIETT, Clttweou... -. Fultz White Chaff Mod.... llpiges' Chami>iou Amber neiges" Pj'olific ' Washingtou Whiie. . . Eureka Gold Dust Oholt Gold Medal Arn'd. . . Bearded Color Yield Time or of per of sraooth. grain white aero. 3ZW ripu'g .July 3 tsmooth *' amb'r .S2 0S .Iuu28 bearded red 28.44 July 2 smooth amb'r 2T 52 " 1 *' ** 30.40 '• 1 bearded white 31.12 " 2 smooth *< .■12.4S '• 3 " " 31.24 " 3 bearded <» 2S.56 " 2 smooth tt 31.M Jmi28 Straw per acre. 2ri'.iS 3220 1S4S 21110 27S4 291111 304(1 3832 Notes. — The Clawson and Fultz have done equally well for several years. The l-'iiltz is about one week earlier, and stands up lietter, but the straw is not so heavy. The ^lediter- ranean neither yields nor stands u]) well. The Champion and Ilciges' I'rolific are two hylnids of the I'ultz, from .lohn M. Heiges, of York, Pa. They have not proved particu- larly valuable to us, the Chamiiion being quite light strawed. The Washington and Eureka came fi'o;n central Pennsylvania, pre- sented to us by .Joseph Uaker of Centre county. The Washington White has a siilendid large berry and good strong straw. The Eureka somewhat resembles the Gold Medal, but more productive. The Crold-dust came from the Agricultural Department, Washington — has a nice white plump grain, and the sliffest straw I have ever seen growim:. TIk; heads blighted .some and it was a little late, other- wise it could be recommended for very strong laud or heavy manuring. The (ilick is a white*-beardcd wheat from near Allentown, Pa., but of 110 especial promise. The Gold ]^[edal is one of Arnold's hybrids, nice and white, but not especially valuable. The following varieties were sown in smaller quantities, and accom]ianying notes made : Arnold's Victor, Colorado Wheat, Nevada Rye or Diamond Wheat, White Rye, J^ouisi- ana, Grecian, Progress, Amber, Kentucky, Diehl, Tappahannock, >[iiskingum, Arnold's Hybrid, Red Jlay, Sluemake'r, While Hlue Stem, ^[icliigan Amber, ]5ayard, JSengal White, Treadwcll, Germ.an Amber. Elinn Bran, Russian, White Rogers, Jlicliigan Wick. Notes. — Arnold's Victor came from Canada, highly recommended, but proved utterly worlliless with us, lilighting badly and being quite late. It is a white, smooth wheat, j The C'olorado wheat and Nevada rye came fronj C. 15. Rogers, Philadelphia. The wheat was not a 8Ueces.s, but the Nevada rye had good heads of long light-colored grains.almost transparent. The straw was not long but stood the winter well. It is worthy of some further trial. The (irecian is a new whiti' smooth wheat, largely pufCed, hut worthless in this section. Specimen.s of other varieties are herewith exhibited but llu^y pos.sess no especial interest. The following e.xperimenls were made to test fertilizers on wheat, tlu; conditions otherwise being tlu; same as before related. The variety of wheat used in the experiments was (iiild-tiust. The cost of fertilizers was at the rate of $A jK-r a(!re : Wheat I Straw per acre. \ per acre. Slotkbridgo Wheat Formula No Fertilizer I'oppleciu's Silieated Sup. Pho.. A. A. Nitrogen ChalleiiRo for High Orade R. P.. Challeuge Sown and Uarrowed.. . Spring Ciiltivatloii Uiicuitivated 32.04-11(1 bus. 4140 11.8. 30.24-CU do ]:i«40 " 30.32-liO do 32.0S-(>0 do 33.4s-<-,0 do 2'.I.OS-C0 do 24 4H-r,0 do 31.20-00 do 3832 ' 4376 4'JSO ' !;H20 31i;h I3S20 In the above cases these fertilizers have evidently done but little good, and the only fact worth noticing is the gain in lightly plowing down the Challengt^ Phosphate over sowing it on the surface and harrowing it in. Our experiment in cultivating wheat is still unfavorable to this much talked of .system. 1 think there must be some peculiarity in our soil that renders cultivation for this crop un- necessary— as all our ]irevious ex]ieriments have resulted much like the present one. What is singular we can notice no increase in the length of head from cultivation, and as tliert! are fewer stalks theri^ must be less grain. The wheat on this plot was sown in drills, live inches wide with a space of fifteen inches between, sowing about one bushel of seed per acre. April 20 we ran through the spaces with a one-horse cultivator ; and May .'id we ran through them with a small subsoil plow, loosening up the ground ten inches deep aiul finished by dressing up with a Ile.xamcr hoe. Varieties of Oats. We made the the following experiments to test the varieties of oats, their products, time of ripening, &c. We selected a piece of corn- stalk ground ; plowed, then harrowed in a light coat of dissolved South Carolina rock, sowed the oats March 28th at the rate of 2^ bushels per acre, covering with a harrow. When cut and threshed the following results were noted : vARiF.TiKs. I Wgt. I Color. I Time. I Yld. Oats. | Straw. Irish OtttB 2!l)4 while 7-17 46.28-32 4160 lbs Ardres King... idy, yel'w 7-20 60.12-32 518.S 11)8 Oanadi.TQ 31 white 7-14 37. 8-32 36'2S ll.s Watirloo 22>i white 7-16 31. 3336 lbs White Dutch... 23 Uf white 7-1,^ 39.12-32 Slf^n lbs White Schceuou 21>i white T-19 48.16-32 4304 1118 Lyell 2S dark 7-10 64. 24'«) lbs The Irish oats is of recent importation ; came to us from Captain Ingram, of Oxford, Pa.; was said to weigh over lo lbs. per bushel, and to yield over St) bushels per acre. The grain is white and plump, and the straw strong and tall. The Andres King Oats came from New York ; has heretofore been our most productive variety, is a long grained yellowish oats with a heavy stilf straw, is lather late, which has been my principal ob- jection lo it, but this year its lateness and heavy straw enabled it to tide over the hot dry weather. The Canadian, AVaterloo and White Dutch came from the Agricultural Deji't, Washing- ton. The grain of each wa.s while, plump and handsome, and last year weighed well; this year more than half the grains had no kernels. They ripened early and had weak, broken straw. The white Scluenen came from West- ern Pennsylvania, is a good white oats with a strong straw, but late. The l.,yell oats came from Richmond, Va.; is a dark bearded oats with .short, stifl" straw. It was .sown several days after the other varie- ties and ripened at least a week sooner. It W"as too early to be affected liy the heat or drought, and made a fine yield. The appear- ance of the grain is the principal thing against it. THE WHEAT CROP IN THE NORTH- WEST. The rUmcer-Prcss editorially cunimenlH upon the reports it has obtained the pa.st ten days respecting the damage to the wheat crop in Minnesota. The damage is mostly con- lined to the southwest part of the .Slate, anil even there the la-sl reports are not so discour- aging its those sent out earlier. The ilaiiiage doiK^ there the I'iiiiurr-I'nas estimates at from 2.") to .'!() per cent. olV from a full crop, but in tint State at large not over lH per cent. Ih'Iow the average. Tlie same paper estimates that the increased acreage will make up for the loss in yield, and that .Minnesola will afford as much bread to the eater in ls7H ;us in 1S77. The reports of the Chicago Trihintt confirm the above in every |iarlicular. Por- mer reports have been highly ciilored and ex- aggeralecl. The farmer with all his excellent (|ualities, is inclliiiil to be a croaker, says the Tribune, and to look at the dark side of things. Well informed grain buyers put the loss at 10 per cent., chiefly by blight. They ]>redi<;l that, with an increased acreage of 2.") i>er cent., Minnesota will exceed her IJS.tJOO.tKXJ bushel crop of 1S77. THE PRICE OF FLOUR. One of those things which no one seems to unihrsland. and which no fellow can find out, is Ihe peculiar nallion which exists between our home Hour market and that of Philadel- phia. .Someliow the millers are enabled to make tlour here in l per barrel, that being to- day the price of gootl family lloiir in this city. Ilere we have iiresenteii to us the very curi- ous anomaly of Lancaster couiily inillirs .senil- ing their )>roducl to Philadel|iliia, anil selling it at a loss of fiom seventeen to forty cents per barrel, while of their customers here at home they ask nearly §2 per barrel moi-e, or a profit of nearly 10 jier cent. Why such should be the (-ase we are at a loss to under- stand. It actually jiays to buy Lancaster county flour in Philadelphia, and we know of one large consumer who, with mills near his door, can buy the Hour they make in Phila- delphia, and bring it up from that city at a less cost than from the millers at their own doors. In this calculation wc liave omitted the cost ineuiTcd in converting the wheat into flour, 122 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ August, as that results in a iirofit to the miller, as may be seen from the following : 2>4 bushels wheat wciffh - - - - 135 lbs. 2}4 " " make flour - - 100 lbs. leaving of bran, ship stuff, etc., - - - 35 lbs. and worth at the towest calculation one cent per pound, leaving about fifteen per cent, for his profit on every hundred pounds of Hour he makes. A consumer can easily find out what he really ought to pay for flour. As two and a quarter bushels of wheat are required to make one hundred poun,200 pounds. Those who are versed in the prices I'ealized per ])ound during the.se years, from 1860 to present time, can see how much, in money value, has been the tobacco growing business of the county. Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, is acknow- ledged, generally, to be the " banner " tobacco district of the United States. No other equal area of land produces as many pounds per acre, of a standard, excellent quality, com- manding the highest possible prices for native grades of any grown in this country, and bringing a revenue to the producers larger than that of any tobacco district in America. The value of last year's eroji, being estimated by what has been sold and that whicli remains (ju hand, deducting considerably for reduced lirices, aggregates (|;2, 500,000) two and a half millions of dollars. Another marked characteristic of the Lan- caster county tobacco, as a crop, is the large amount which is yielded per acre. Lancas- terians are synonymous with good farmers, and in this crop they seem to have "set" themselves to outstrip the world. Each one seems to vie with his neighbor in a friendly competition as to which can produce the greatest yield per acre. Of the crop of 1S72 (the writer, speaking from personal know- ledge of the amount produced, having visited every tobacco growing township), forty-three townships had 6,802 acres planted out, the area being somewhat in a circle, the greater number of acres being cultivated in the centre of the circle. Of the forty-three townships, fifteen grew from one to fifty acres each, nine grew from fifty to one hundred acres each, seventeen grew from one hundred to five hundred acres each, one grew one thousand acres, and one township. Manor, had over one thousand two hundred acres planted out, thus showing that "Manor " township is to the tobacco growing district of Lancaster county what Lancaster county is to the largest tobacco district of America. The average number of pounds yielded per acre being one thousand eight hundred. In agricultural interests, generally, the farmers of Lancaster county come as near \)erfection, in their skillful manipulation of the soil, as any community of the kind in this country, expending their labor in the most economical and intelligent manner pos- sible, so as to insure luci'ative retiuiis. Hoping the above will be satisfactory, I re- main, sir, your obedient servant, Williard T. Block. SUGAR BEETS. In reply to "Bleizucker's" communication of April 26, 1 will say the difference in mak- ing sugar from beets and from maple sap is, that the juice has to be extracted from the beets ; this does not require more costly ma- chinery than the cider press and grater — that made by the Boomer and Boscher Press Company, Syracuse, N. Y., (I send you one of their circulars, giving plan and cost of building, press, grater, elevators, engine and boiler, tanks, pumps, etc., the whole cost of which is $2,360,) has the capacity, with the labor of two men, of grating and pressuig 725 bushels of beets per "day of ten hours, and yields 5,262 gallons of juice. The press and grater alone costs $510, and requires less than six-horse power to run them. The best juice is boiled down the same as maple sap, sorghum, t)r cane juice, and requires no more labor or skill, anil can be done as economically on theJ above quantity as on a large amount. Itl needs no costly machinery, such as "centrifu-f gals, hydraulic presses, vacu\mi pans, orliltra-j tration through bone coal, etc." These and other requisites are all needed in the rcjining,^ but not in the manufacture of sugar ; they are separate liranclies of business, but sometimes! lioth are cariied on by the same person. The! sugar refineries in this country inii>ort the! brown sugar and refine it. They would, witli-J out question, as readily buy the brown sugar! made here as to import it ; and, refineriesl lieing already established, it is better to send! the brown sugar (what is not consumed inl that form) to the refineries that already havel the necessary machinery and skilled labor tol run them than to start new ones ; it would bel a question of cost of freight against the in-l terest on capital invested in refinery. At! 18-S.J THE LANCASTER FARMER. -123 present there is no doubt it would be best for the fUrnicr to sell his suiiilus suf;ar not n(M'd(>(l for home consuinptidn ; or, it' relincd is wanted, lie eaii sell his brown sugar and buy relined, as the farmer now sells his wheat and buys Ills llour, or has it manufactured for him at the mill. In the future, as tlio business grows, tla; present relineries will not be able to reline all the brown sugar iimdueed here, and then there will be no difliculty in getting the eai)ital and skilled labor lo start other relineries in locations best adapted for them, or to enlarge the producing capacities of the iii-esent ones ; time and circumstances will regulate this. 1,IHI() n)s. beets contain ISl lbs. dry sub- stance, l.()() nitrogen, 7.10 ashes, .''.ill 4 Jiot- ash, U.:i7'.t lime, 0.")3('> magnesia, 0.7.SI) phos. acid. In manufacturing, these elements are distributed as follows : d, s. nit. rt«/ic«. pnt. tijiit. mai/^it. arid. Tops and lioUoms 19 0.24 l.l.'i U.:i3l", (l.llis o l;i ; 0.144 Fibre 40 0.44 1.71 0.5H.'"> II.S'.ID Olllll 5.ir,.5 Refuse 24 0.611 1.20 0.3SI1 8.fi40 0.2r.O O.:W0 MohiBBCs 2.') 0.32 2.47 1.741 0,141 0.0(J'J U.(I15 Sufar S6 0.57 0.872 0.040 0.1172 "Bleizuckcr" well states, " If farmers and others interested can be incited to investigate for themselves the real facts in regard to raising sugar beets and the manufacture of sugar from them, much goodwill be accom- plished." The estimated quantity of the sugar supply of the commercial world in l.S7r) was 2,UU,U00 tons cane sugar, and l,817,02:i tons beet-root sugar, of which France pro- duced of this last 4()2,'259 tons, as against 4,405 tons in 1S28. The consumption of sugar iu the United States is about 7UO,()0U tons jier annum, of which we now produce — cane sugar, 100,000 tons, and beet-root sugar, 1,000 tous, and there is no reason why the last can- not be increased to the quantity we require, if the farmers will raise tite beets. The present cider mills and cheese factories could add to their present machinery the pans or presses, as required, and by co-operation on this, as in regard to other products, we can iirodiice priijitahly all the sugar we need. This will bring the business of sugar-making within the reach of small farmers, and is of vast im- portance. The notion prevails, that to make sugar prolitalily it must l)e made extensively. This is certainly erroneous ; and the sooner this illusion is dispelled the sooner we will begin to realize the productive resources of our lands, and employ our now idle laborers on a very remunerative crop now grown to a very limited extent. Ill the last 100 years great progress lias be.en made in all branches of manufacture, and it ajiplies to sugar as well as other arti- cles. We can profit by the past, but need to look forward to the future. — Andrnell. Ward, in Briilycwater (Mass.) Independent, of May. COST OF COWS' MILK. To know the cost of milk there must first be known the cost of the food for tlie cow. Hay and grass are the iniiicipal articles of food; and iwo acres of land should be sulli- cient to pasture a cow during the .season. Estimating the value of this land at $2.") per acre, the interest and taxes would not amount to more than $2 per acre— lieiiig S4 for the two acres — and there should be added $5 an- nually for fertilizer to restore the di^idetion of the soil, making SIO for the two acres; this,, with the amount for interest and taxes, $4, makes f 14 for the season of pasturage. ITnder this treatment the pasture will constantly in- crease in value, and be ami)ly sulficient, whereas, under the system now generally adopted i>astures decrea.se in value, linally running into moss, reciuiring so much land to pasture a cow that, with the effort and time to obtain their food, it keeps them barely in condition, and a small surplus only to go to milk, and the land is finally of no value as a pasture. Mowing lands may be estimated at $->0 per acre, and proper care and attention will yield two tons of hay per acre, whidi is sullicient to keep a cow during the winter ; for interest and taxes say $4, fertilizer io, cutting, curing and getting hay to barn S.'i i)er ton, making in all SIT); for grain and bran, and it is an advantage to feed .some, add ^10. Kools in winter are a very beiiclicial foml and keep the system in belter condition than oii dry food alone, and they iiii-rea.se tint supply of milk. Sugar beet Jiulp or pomace is (upially as good as Hut whole beet. The licet jni(t(! can be used tor making vinegar, treated the .same as cider now is, or by treating the juice the same as niapht .sap is, it will produce, a good article of brown sugar. 1,000 lbs. sugar beitts will make 8 lbs. sugar and .'tO lbs. molasses, only lit for distilling purposes or fo(Kl for stock, and th<'y are especially foiHl of it. As rennineralion for time and care bestowed on the cow, the manure will nearly if not quite compensate, and if she is warmly stabled in winter, having good viMitilalion, |irolierly and regularly fed and watered, kejit clean and treate'> ; 4tli, ■.m ; 5tli, .'i^J; tub, ;!12; 7lli, 150; 8th, 150; Oth, 150; loth, 1.50; lllli, 112; 12th, 112; in all, ;!,000 (jts. milk, 32| ounces each, 0,422 pounds. The value of the calf may be estimated at five dollars, and if farmers would have only full blood stock, or high grades, and they can gradually work to this end, by only using fnll blood bidls, the value of their stock would be enhanced and the iiuantity of milk increased by the improvement in the stock. From the above we arrive at the following summary : cow DEBIT. Cost of pasture for cow, - - - $14 Cost of liay for cow, . . . . 1,", Cost of grain and shorts for'cow, - 10 cow ORKDTT. 3,000 qts. milk at cost, l.l:!4c, or 6,422 pounds milk, at 5..'!0c, Calf, $30 - $34 - 5 $3!) Care and time equals value of manure. It recpiires to make one pound of cheese about 10 ])ounds of milk. At 0.53 cents a l)ound it is 5.;iO cents. Add, for manufactur- ing, 2 cents a ]iound, which makes the cost of cheese 7.30 cents a pound. 25 lbs. milk, for pound butter (milk from Jersey cows does not require so much as t-liis,) at 0.53 is l:i.25 cents. Add, for manufacturing, etc., 4 cents a pound, which makes the cost of the butter 17.35 cents ]iouiid. The whey from the manufacture of cheese and the skimmed anrril Snicvcli, I'llv ; Kpliriilni llooviT, .Manlnlin ; .1. K. Krucauir, Cyluniliia ; .].C. Linvlllr, .SallRlmry ; .1. II. lIcrRliiy, Kaht, ll(nii>lli-lil ; J. .\I. .lolinBlon, roduclive, anil especially valuable on account of ilie succcBsive ripening of its fruit . Mr. Smeych says It was iu good eating condition for four weeks. Lkvi S. UrisT, Casi'KK Hii.i.ek, H. .M. Kxoi.K, M. D. Kf.nhio. H. M. F.nirle enrrocled an error that appeared in his article on wheal, published a month ago. The rules were tlicn suBpended for the time iK-inij, lo liear the lecture annimncci! lo l>e deilvcrnd liy I'rof. 8. n. HclKCSiOf York. His lecture was cnlitled, The Comparative Exhaustive Powers of the Cereals. The profes.sor's leelurc was delivered extempore, he usini; neither manUBcripl nor notes. Beini; to some extent technical and lllled with scienlinc terms it was dillicult lo rei>ort. We fi'ar our readers will c<-t but a poor idea of what it really was. Those who heard it learned many Ihintrs they never knew licforc. He bciran by slaliiii.' that many of the sayings of the old farmers Imve been found to be scientifically correct, and he woidd jirovc some of them lo iMt bo. lie would illuslrale his leelurc by a new process. He would chari.'e an acre witli SM to begin with, and would then sow it with either wheat, corn or oats, and would show how much of each grain would have to be produced to pay for the sum charged 124 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ August, against it) anrt what each amount of grain took from the ea'rth, or in other words, how much each ex- hausted the soil. The average price of wheat is about one dollar. To get back the g25 charged against the acre of ground, therefore, required a product of twenty-five bushels. So, too, of corn, of which the average price is about fifty cents per bushel ; this requires you to grow fifty bushels to get out the ?-'.5 charged against the acre of corn. Of oats, seventy-five bushels must be raised to sell at the average price of thirty-three and one-third cents, to bring up the value of the crop to the 12.5. Elements Drawn from the Soil. Having laid down this proposition be proceeded to state that a close analysis shows these three cereals abstract from the soil the following fertilizers or con- stituents in the proportions annexed in pounds and fractions of a pound : TABLE SHOWING THE COMPARATIVE AMOUNT OF THE SEVERAL ELEMENTS DRAWN FROM THE SOIL. m Tl X r- s CD O ^ o o ■-J p Eo o "1 p Ot) C a > o 51 P -1- ' •a. > 25 bufhels o( wheat, at a value of $1 per take from the ca BOil T4.2 75. 29..'> 9.5 1(1.1 75 0 H.7 C yi7 From this it is seen that to grow an amount of corn that will be of the same money value as the tweuty- five bushels of wheat nearly double the amount of plant food is taken from the soil ; to grow an equiva- lent amount of oats takes from the soil just four times as much of the chemical constituents as for the same money value of wheat ; in other words, oats are just four times as exhausting as wheat, and two and a half times as exhausting as corn. He recommended the farmers to petition the Legislature to pass a law requiring all artificial fertilizers to have their constituent parts openly an- nounced. In this way farmers can get just what they want. I'hosphoric acid is the prime agent in agriculture. Nitrogen comes next in importance, not In its natural condition, but in the form of ammonia, which is obtained by its mixture with hydrogen. Potash is simply vegetable ashes. No crop, either potatoes or tobacco, can be raised with- out potash. How did the potash get into the soil? Either by burning or the decomposition of vegetable matter. 2.5 bushels of wheat take up only 9-10 of a pound of soda, but oats requires over nine pounils ; therefore oats requires salt, while wheat land does not. He spoke of the improper application of lime ; much of it might as well be tlirown into the street as put on some crops. Wheat requires but 1.4 pounds, corn 1, while oats needs 10.1, showini; clearly that lime does best wlieu put on oats; wheat and corn hardly need it. There is a vast diflerence in lime ; ordinary limestone can be easily tested ; a drop of nitric or sulphuric put on the crude limestone will eiTervesce and show a large ])crcenta2:e of lime. Lime is a manure but a poor fertilizer ; its chief use is to eomminuate — to break up the particles of soil and make them available for plant food. Lime is only profitable when it acts on vegetable matter. When a]i|ilied to corn stubble, there is nothing for it to act upon, and therefore the lime is virtually lost. The soil on an acre plowed one foot deep weighs two thousand tons. Nearly all soils contain an abun- dance of lime; therefore it Is almost a useless waste of money to lime so often and so heavily. The lec- turer here asked whether the amount of mineral matter drawn from the soil if added to the soil would give the first named number of bushels? By no means ; they must be mixed with the two thousand tons of soil, and then the mixture will give you your crops ; because, besides what the crops abstract there is still left more than a thousand fold as much of the same substances in the acre of soil. One thousand pounds of grass turned down and thor- oughly decomposed will produce a thousand pounds of corn or wheat. If the straw off an acre is returned to the soil again it will give twice as much phos- phoric acid as was abstracted by the crop of wheat. Cotton meal will go further to restore soil to fertility than anything else, because it contains more of the necessary fertilizing elements than anything else. The reason why the soil of the Southern States has become so poor and unproductive is because they have grown and grown their great staple, cotton — the most exhaustini; of all crops — until there is vir- tually nothing left in their soil. If they were to re- turn the cotton meal abundantly they could keep up the fertility ; but they do not do so. In the absence of cotton meal our next best substitute is the vines of the common pea, plowed under. They are nearly as good as cotton meal, are cheap, and decidedly the best vegetable fertilizer at our farmers' command. Grass, straw and pea vines are the three great ele- ments our farmers have to restore their exhausted acres. The average production of wheat in this State is only 13 -i-lO bushels per acre. Special culture will produce 40, 50 and 70 bushels ; formerly it averaged more than now. This is because we export millions of bushels of grain, and thus one source of fertilizing the soil is taken from us. We no longer use up the flour or feed and all the bran on the farm. In 1872 he began wheat culture. The cultivation of wheat at the experimental farm has not proved profitable; in some soils this may be so, but on stiff clay soils wheat culture is just as profitable as corn culture, and lie was amply prepared to prove it. His brother raised four successive profitable wheat crops from the same ground, while the fifth crop was a com- plete failure. The potash had been used up and failure was the result. He called attention to the irregularity of grain when sown by the common drill. The straw is of all lengths; this should be remedied. In sowing wheat the drill should run north and south instead of east and west. Another advantage by this system of cultivation is that more soil is covered by the grain and the latter has more food to draw on. It is also more easily lifted out by frosts by the common method. By the new method this is not so easily done. He believes that we must adopt new methods or quit wheat-growing altogether. Specimens of cultivated wheat were shown, which were very fine. The straw was thick and upright, not having lodged in the least, although the variety of wheat was noted for its soft straw. He put aa effectual disclaimer on the charge that in measuring wheat ground on which large crops have been raised by him, only that covered by the grain was measured, and the bare places not ; all is measured and the result is based on the entire area. Professor Heiges also answered a number of ques- tions as to the comparative merits of plowing down green grasses. Clover does most good when plowed under half dry instead of green. Kye and buck- wheat may also be plowed under with profit. In answer to the question, whether buckwheat plowed under makes a good manure, he said no ; it grows too fast, and alf vegetables that grow with great rapidity contain a great deal of water — are in fact nearly all water. It would be almost as beneficial to plow under a heavy rain shower as a rank, green growth of buckwheat. A great many other ques- tions were answered by the learned professor, who seemed to have all the information called for at his tongue's end. No brief and imperfect synopsis like this can give a fair idea of what the lecture was. It will be published in full in the Farmer's Friend in its issue of August 29. On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered by the society to the Professor for the instruction given by his lecture. New Business. Daniel Smeych moved that the society hold a fruit exhibition during the coming fall, which was carried. H. M. Engle was anxious to have the sense of the society as to what the prospects are for an exhibition. He feared we would make a poor show ; of pears we have a good showing, but of apples and grapes we have very few. Casper Hiller was almost afraid we are no longer a fruit growing county. We have fruit, but it is not good. A hail storm came along and hit almost every apple. Once he had a pear orchard of one hundred trees, but hardly one has escaped the blight ; he almost feared to go into such a project. Mr. Smeych remarked, why can't the farmers bring their wheat, corn and potatoes as well as fruit ? Tlie vote at this point was reconsidered and lost. H. M. Engle moved the Committee on Nomencla- ture take up and report on the fruits on exhibition. A fiowering plant was shown, which was ])ro- nounced the ox-eyed daisy, and it was recommended that it be pulled up anil destroyed as often as it made its appearance. It was a great pest when once it was well established on a farm. See page 115. Business for Next Meeting. " The proper preparation of the ground for a wheat crop." To be answered by John (3. Linville. " What is the best time to cut corn?" Keferred to E. Hoover. Notes of a Western Trip. On motion. Major Frueauff, of Columbia, was in- vited to tell what he saw of agriculture during a recent trip to the West. He described some very tall corn. Farmers out there all needed hands to harvest their crops ; the lowest wages paid were ?1..50and up to ¥2..50. He saw more idle men in Kentucky than anywhere else; they look(!d like politicians. Busiuess seemed better there than here. All seem to be earning something. The West is progressing, undoubtedly. At Massillon, Ohio, wheat was selling at eighty-five cents per bushel. He says the bad crops in Minnesota are discredited by many ; it looks like a dodge to keep up prices. The damage by rain and sua has undoubtedly been overrated. Samples of wheat were shown, grown by Mr. Fordney, near this city, which produced 41 bushels to the acre by the old method of culture. It was very fine. tA sample of rye raised on the farm of J. Myers was also shown. 'There were 4,700 grains, all the product of a single grain, which produced 82 sepa- rate beads. Some very handsome fruit was exhibited: H. M. Engle bad the Oft, Bloodgood, Kirtland, Rostizer and Osband's Summer, all genuine. Daniel Smeych, pears. Manning's Elizabeth; apples. All Summer; peaches, Hale's early ; all genuine. John Brady, seedling pear, beautiful and good ; would be worthy of a trial. Two bunches of grapes were shown by Mr. Smeych, Allen's hybrid ; these grew on the same vine not a foot apart : one was fully ripe and the other would not have been for weeks. The reason for the differ. enee was that the ripe raceme hung in his hot house and the other in the open air. On motion, a bill of expenses was ordered to be paid. There being no further business before the society, a motion to adjourn was carried. I TOBACCO GROWERS' ASSOCIATION. The Lancaster County Tobacco Growers' Society met in the room of the Agricultural Society on Mon- day afternoon, .luly 15th, at 2 o'clock, the following members being jiresent: Messrs. M.D Kendig, Presi- dent, Manor : Webster L. Hershcy, Secretary, East Hempfield ; Wash. L. Hershey, Chickies; J. Hoff- man Hershey, East Hempfield ; John Brady, Millers- ville ; Henry Shiffner, Upper Leacock ; Sylvester Kennedy, Salisbury; J. >!, Johnston, city; Adam H. Herr, Witmer ; Frank K. Diffenderfter, city; Clare Carpenter, city ; A. C. Mcllvain, Salisbury. Messrs. Webster L. Hershey, Henry Shiffner and John Brady were appointed a committee to prepare business for the meeting. Reports on Crops. Crop reports being called for, Sylvester Kennedy, of Salisbury, reported that in his section the grow- ing crop had suffered considerably from the cut- worm, but that its ravages bad about ended. A long spell of dry weather had also tended to prevent an early setting out of the plants, and had retarded their growth ; but latterly the weather has been more favorable and the plants are doing well. The green-worm or born-worm has not yet done much damage, and the moths from which it comes. are not numerous. The acres planted in tobacco in his neighborhood this year is not much more than one- half as many as were planted last year ; but farmers seem determined to bestow more care on the crop and raise a better article than they have heretofore raised, as they have learned that buyers seek only a good article and are willing to pay a good price for it. Nearly all the 1877 crop has passed out of the hands of the irrowers. Washington L. Hershey, of Chickies, reported that the crop in his neighborhood was well startcil and promised to yield well. The cutworm had not much interfered with the young plants, and the green-worm has not as yet done much damage. There is yet some 1876 and 1877 tobacco in first hands in the township, some of it being yet in bulk. J. Hoffman Hershey, of Hohrerstown, said the new crop looks well ; some of it has already been topped ; in many places it is growing irregular, owing to replanting. Some of the pLants, on ac- count of unfavorable weather, did not get a start for nearly four weeks, but they are now doing well. There had been some trouble with the cut-worm, but that was about over. The green-worm has put in an appearance, but has not yet done much harm. The acreage is perhaps a little less in East Hempfield than it was last year, but he has no certain means of knowing. There will be more care taken in putting up the tobacco this year than last. The last year's crop has been nearly all sold. Henry Shiffner, of Upper Leacock, said the crop in that township looks very well, though it is just now sutl'ering for want of rain. A good deal of the tobacco has been already topped, and a little of it has been cut off. He knew of one farmer who cut his tobacco on Thursday last, and it appeared to be fit to cut. The cut-worm was very biid in some patches, and the replanting had given the patches a very irregular growth, some of the plants being almost mature while others had just commenced to grow. The average in U|)per Leacock is nearly one- third less than last year. The old tobacco (last year's crop) has been nearly all disposed of. John Brady, of .Mjllersville, could not positively say whether there was more or less tobacco planted this year than last. The eut-worm had been bother- some and destroyed many plants, and the replanting bail given some fields a very uneven appearance. None of the tobacco had been topped, nor would it be ready to top for two weeks yet. Webster L. Hershey said that in the northern part of East Hempfield the tobacco was very backward- was very far from being ready to top— much less to cut off. Much of the crop is just fairly coniing on, and will not be ready to top for some time yet. The crops of 1870 and 1877 have been nearly all bought up. 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. d25 Tlio coniniittco to prepare business for the meetin;; reiKjrtcil the followiug questions for discussion : "Why should early grown tobacco cure lighter than late J" "What causes what is known as Muck rut In to- bacco, noticed so frequently in the present i)]aiilinK ?" In answer to the first i|Uestion Mr. Brady answered that it was lieeause the early irrown i)lants matured and were housed durini; the hottest and lii;lileet part of the siiniiner ; that the lli,'ht and heat cured the leaf too rapidly. Plants set out later niaturt^ later In the summer, when the days are shorter and the lii;lit not so stronff. This causes the leaf to cure slower and i^ives it a darker hue. He thou;lace, and you cannot be at a loss for an cxtem[«rary desert all the year round— csiiccially if you have as I have, the cream of a beautiful Jersey cow to i)our over the peaches when brought to the table. Tomato Pie.— Take six or eight tomatoes, two lemons, one tea-s[>oonful flour, and sugar to taste. Crust top aud bottom. LIVE STOCK. Lean Cattle for Europe. Good news for American stock-brci'ders Is the de- mand for live cattle by (lerman and English farmers. Keeently a ship load of Western cattle were landed in Tomiing, to lie fattened on the rich [lastures of Sclilcswig-llolstein. Kelative prices of young stock there aud In this country warrant the iin[)ortation of these young lean cattle for the [>ur|iOBe. This cargo, numbering .^22 head, l.'j horses and 4fi swine, besides some fat cattle, horses, and swine for England, were purchased at Chicago, and were so well received by the (lerman farmers that the vessel was at once sent back for another lot. " The 6lil|) arrivi'd in the har- bor under saliitct of cannon and a di.splay of flags, and hundreds of [)eo|)le lined the quay." There is also iiuite a denuind in England for Icau cattle and hogs for fattening ; and in the embargo against the im|iortation of live cattle at English [lorts, an ex- ce|)tion is made In favor of those from America. This, loL'cther with the increasing call for finely bred stock from this country for Europe, argues well for our agricultural Interests. The more our atten- tion is paid to stock-farming, inst<'ad of such exclu- sive grain and other cro|i [iroduc'tion, the bettiT will it he for our farming. Engliiih agriculture dates its present advanced [)0sition from the beginning of heavy slocking of its farms and generous feeding, which added largely to the fertility of the soil, and caused a consequent increase iu the yield of ero[)8. — Aiuerlca^i Agrieulturiat. Brine for Bathing the Feet of Horses. A corres[)ondent, writing to the PracHad Fanner, in relation to the use of salt and lime for bathing the l^cct of horses 6a3's : " I have tried strong brine on foundered or hoof-bound horses, and with good re- sults. I made a solution of salt and water and a|)- plied it three times a day, by washing the legs and [louring Ujioii the bottom of the feet, and holding them up a lew minutes to let it strike in. I saw the wonderful elleets in a few days. I account for it iu this way : Salt will extract moisture from the atmos- phere which keeps the feet moist. Salt oiieratcs nearly like melted grease U|ion the feet. The hoof becomes tough, yet pliable. Like a chunk of wood saturated with salt or brine, it is tough yet moist. Thus it is with a horse's foot. Here let me add, that the practice of rasping a cracked liimf to toughen it is lolly. AiJjily brine anil you will etlect a cure. A horse that is ilrivcn u[ion a hard road is liable to get stiffed. I have seen valuable horses driven U[)on our own plank roads a few days get quite lame. I reasoned to myself as to the cause and ado|)tcd the use of brine as a remedy, which proved effectual. ■ ^ Sawdust for Cleaning Horses. I have been exiierimenting to find a way to avoid the dust tli.at is so disagreeable when grooming horses, and have found a way by which a dirty horse may be cleaned in a few minutes. I use oak saw- dust ; that which comes from a green log is just moist enough to be good. I have tried pine sawdust, hut did not like it, because, after a time, the pitch in it will make the hair a little sticky, and of a dull color. Sprinkle a few liandsful over the horse on the side that you are on ; then eimimenee at the tail, anil with a circular motion of the currycomb toward the head curry the sawdust into the hair ; brush olf and apply an another dusting, and then brush olf clean aud the dust and dandrulf will be removed without flying around. If the legs are muddy fill the face of a stiff brush with sawdust and rub hard until the fine dust and dry mud begins to fly ; theu fill the brush again and (irocced as before. This o|>eration takes off all the dirt and dust and leaves the hair clean and glossy. ^ Feeding Value of Corn and Oats. The results of exijcriments that have been made with some 10,(100 horses of the cab company in Paris, and published by the [ircsident of the conijiany, M. Bixio, adds to the testimony of the Omnibus Company of that city last year that the substi- tution of maize for oats effects a large economy, while afi'ecting no diminution in the working power of the animal. The 10,000 cab horses have been o[ieratcd u|)on during a period of live years, their feeding being regulated according to the most scien- tific principles, and the no less important [loint at- tended to — book-keeping. As conqiared with the year lS7Ii a saving of HI centimes — nearly 4 sous [ler animal [ler day — was effected in 1S77, re|)re6enting a total economy for the year of 1,058,610 francs. Subduing Fractious Horses. The Mexicans have a method of eubduing fractious horses and such as are inclined to run away, which might be introduced here with [irofit. A hood or winker is so arranged that the driver or rider can in an instant draw it directly over the eyes of the animal , effectually blindfolding him. When this is done the horse instantly becomes ([uict, and a repetition of the blindfolding two or three times, gradually results in his becoming quiet and docile. Such an arrauge- ment woulil he a valuable appendage to the head- gear of such horses as are disposed to run away. 128 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [August, 1878. POULTRY. The Narragansett Turkey. This is one of tlie lare:est and hardiest of all breeds of turkeys. It is raised in the greatest perfection in Southeastern Conneeticut and Rhode Island, a region famous for its fine poultry. Turkeys do remarkably well along the sea board, and almost every farmer remote from the village has his flock. It is not uncommon to find flocks of from one to two hundred birds, the product of about a dozen hens, under the skillful management of a poultry woman or boy. Of course they do some damage to grain ; but this evil is counterbalanced by the enormous destruction of insects secured. From June to September they subsist mainly upon grasshoppers, crickets and other insects, ranging for the most part in the pastures and woodlands. They are fattened in October and November, and it is not uncommon for a lot of eaily chicks to reach the average weight of fourteen pounds, dres.sed, at Thanksgiving or Christ- mas. The common run of turkeys sent to the New York market do not average more than eight or nine pounds. The Narragansett is a very large, healthy bird, and has been bred for size for many generations. Most of the birds sold in the Boston and Providence markets under the name of Rhode Island Turkeys, or Extra No. 1, are of this breed. The farmers are «areful in the selection of their breeding stock, taking young gobblers that will weigh from twenty-two to twenty-eight pouuds, and hens that will weigh from twelve to sixteen. Where the birds are kept over gobblers will sometimes dress thirty-two to thirty- four pounds. For making poultry for market the Narragansetts have no superior. The prevailing colors are white and black, with a large patch of white upon the wing bow, giving the general impres- sion of a gray bird. They are not uniform in the shading, but with sufHcient painstaking could be bred to a feather. — IV. Clift, in the Poultry World. A Varied Diet for Fowls. There are no animals more omniverous than fowls ; fish, flesh, herbs and grains being devoured by them with equal relish. We say equal, for though they commonly pounce upon meat with greater avidity than upon grain, this is generally because it aflords a rarity, and a ilock kept for awhile almost entirely ■on animal food will show the same greed for a few handfuls of corn. Now, those animals accustomed to use a varied ■diet should not be confined to an unvarying one. There are, todiwd, some species which are naturally limited to one or a few kinds of food. Thus, cattle ■do well enough, although kept month after month on gra«s alone, and a tiger will thrive with nothing tut leaai meat upon his bill of fare. But with other animals, as with the human race, for instance, the ■case Is ditferent, for no person can maintain the highest eflicicncy when confined to one article of food. No matter how fond we may be of a particular ■dish, we lose relish for it when allowed nothing else for a number of consecutive meals, and the intense •craving for variety indicates as its source something imore than mere appetite. It gives evidence of real ■necessities of the system which are constantly vary- ing with the changing circumstances of weather, ■employment and other conditions. The fondness for variety shown by fowls is as significant of real needs as we have found it to be in ourselves. In purveying for them, a judicious variety, selected from the three general divisions — fresh vef^etahlea, grain and aidtjial food — is at all sea- sons absolutely necessary for young and old, in order to make them perfectly thrifty. True, they will not starve on hard corn and water, neither will they pay a profit 60 kept. — The Poultry World. Origin of the Domestic Turkey. Many suppose, from its name, that the Turkey originated in the East. Not only does the English name give support to this belief, hut the French name, diiidon, a contraction of Oiaeau d^ l7ide, (bird of India,) shows that the same is held in Europe. Professor S. T. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution, than whom there can be no better authority, has in- vestigated tlie subject and finds that we have two distinct species of turkey in North America : " One confined to the more Eastern and Southern States, the other to tlie southern Rocky Mountains and ad- jacent parts of Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona ; that the Latter extends along eastern Mexico, as far south, at least, as Orizaba, and that it is from the Mexican species, and not that from eastern North America that this domestic turkey is derived." One of the points of diiference between the two, and the one believed to he constant, is in the color of the tips of the tail-feathers and of the feathers overlying the base of the tail. These ara creamy, or yellowish white, in the Mexican and typical barnyard birds; while, in the wild turkey of eastern North America, the same parts are of a chestnut brown color. The domestic turkey was introduced into England in I'Zil, and some years later became sufficiently abun- dant to afford the farmer his Christmas dinner. When the Spaniards conqured Mexico the turkey 'Was found In a domesticated state, and it probably had been reared as a tame bird for several centuries to that time. Keep Your Birds Tame. There is one point in poultry management to which we wish to call especial attention, as but few persons who rear poultry for profit ever attach much importance to it, notwithstanding it has a great in- fluence upon the profits. It is to keep your birds tame, whether they are kept up in suitable enclo- sures during the entire year or permitted to have unlimitted range, for it pays to do so in many ways. If you keep your birds tame so they will come to you quickly at the call and eat out of your hand without any sign or fear or distrust they will always be quiet and content, and will fatten and thrive much better. This matter is well understood by breeders of the larger kinds of stock, such as cattle, horses, sheep and swine, while there are a sensible few who apply the same principle with poultry. Many a fine nest of eggs has been destroyed by a wild and frightened hen, a hen which had early learned to fear her master or owner. If uniform kindness and gantleness had been resorted to, the hen would sufl'er herself to be handled while on the nest, and never once think of leaving it in such a hurry as to endanger the eggs. If the poultry on the farm is kept tame it is not a "very dilBcult matter to catch one or more when wanted for table or other uses. — America7i Poultry Journal. Save the Best Fowls for Breeding. It is the worst possible policy to kill all the best and handsomest fowls, and save only the mean and scraggy ones to breed from. This is precisely the way to runout your stock; for like tends to breed like, and the result is, that by continually taking away the best birds, and using the eggs of the poor- est, your flock will grow poorer and poorer every succeeding year. It would seem as though this was too plain to be insisted upon, but, in fact, "line upon line" is need- ed. It is the crying want of the poultry upon the farms the country tlirough — this careful and intelli- gent selection of the best for breeding. Nothing is lost by a little self-denial to start with. The extra pound or two of poultry flesh that you leave on its legs, instead of sending it to the market, is as good seed, and will bring forth tenfold and twenty-fold in your future broods. Save your best stock for breeding. — The Poulp-y World. Cheap Poultry Yard. Set posts firmly in the ground, six feet high, eight feet apart. Take No. 9 wire, and stretch from post to post outside, fastening with staples made of wire driven into posts. Place three wires one inch apart, one foot from the ground ; another three at three feet ten inches from the ground ; another three at top of posts. Take common laths and weave in, leaving three inches space between sides of each. This makes the fence four feet high. Then take other laths, picket one end, and chamfer the other like a chisel blade, and interweave among the top wires; then shove the chamfered edge down beside the top of the bottom lath, lapping under wires two inches. This makes a cheap, durable, pretty fence, that is seven feet and ten inches high, and fowl-tight. Wires should be left somewhat slack, as interweaving the laths will take it up. — /. W. Lang in the Poultry World. LITERARY AND PERSONAL. AiB-TionT Butter Packages. — A. J. Finnegan, Minneapolis, Min., patentee and manufacturer. Home-made marures, by Harrison Brothers & Co., analytical chemists, Philadelphia, Pa. Complimentary Notice. — Parents and young ladies, read the advertisement of Trinity Hall School, Beverly, N. J., and send for catalogue to Miss Hunt, Principal. » The attention of tree-dealers, planters, etc., is called to the advertisement of E. Moody & Sons, Lockport, N. Y. This house is one of the oldest and largest in the nursery trade in the United States. E. P. Roe's " Gold Medal " strawberry plants. Price list, testimonals and how to cultivate them. Octavo pamphlet of 'li pages. Cornwall-ou-the- Hudson, Orange county, N. Y. Burpee's Breedino Manual and illustrated descriptive catalogue of thoroughbred live stock, in- cluding cattle, sheep, swine and fowls. 21\ Church street, Philadelphia, Pa. IIF.ARINft KESTORED.— Great invention by one who was deaf for L'O years. Send stamp for par- ticulars. Verry & Harper, Lock Box 80, Madi- son, Indiana. Naturalists' Leisure Hours. — A monthly bulletin, by A. E. Foote. Octavo. 50 cents a year. 1223 Belmont avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. Interesting and useful In scientific practice, and we wish it could push out of circulation the masses of sensational trash that is poisoning the minds of the young men and women of this generation. Newark, July 22. Mr-Rathvon — Dear Sir: I see in the Farmer ad- vertised, the Art of Propagation. I inclose 40 cents for the same. I think the Lancaster Farmer is what every farmer should take. Most every number is worth the year's subscription if they would only put it into practice, hoping it much success in the future. Respectfully yours, Wm. R. Andrews, 143 Belleville Avenue, Newark, N. J. The August number of The Pennsylvania School Journal is just received. It contains the usual variety of valuable m.atter. The leading arti- cle is a very full and complet* sketch of the life and work of Dr. Thomas Arnold, the great Head-master of Rugby. No earnest teacher, whether man or woman, can read this article without profit, and there are those to whom it may come marking an era in their lives. The letters of the State Superintendent, Dr. Wickersham, now in Europe, are also an inte- resting feature of the numbar before us. Teachers and Directors especially should be readers of The School Journal. Subscription rate per year, ^1.60. Five copies, ?7.00. Address J. P. Wickersham & Co., Lancaster, Pa. Elwanger & Barry's catalogues of ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Roses and Flowering plants for the fall of 1878 have been received. Also their Descrip- tive Price list of strawberries, giving directions for their cultivation. Their nurseries are located at Rochester, N. Y., and bear the promising name of "Mount Hope." Established in 1840. These Cata- logues are very interesting and elaborate in their de- tails, being beautifully and copiously illustrated from begining to end. This enterjirising firm is al- ways in advance of all others, and if this be an un- mistakable indication of success, then their estab- lishment must be one of the most successful in the country, an-Sohonl for VDunK Ladies. Vnrii'd ixlvantaKos of the bigUest order. Nmuljur of [.upils liiiiiled. Fall terra hfnim Se|it. 19. For ciroular aiUlresB Miss K. G. Ul'NT, I'riuciral. in-S-'Jml PATENTS ■ M, mined for Inveuti'ors, in tlie TnileJ Slates, Canada and in rope, at reduced rates. Willi our princi|ial olUce located :.l Washint'ton. directly oiM'Osite tlie United States Patent I mice, we are able to attend to all Patent Business with greater proraptuess and despateli and less cost than other patent .-ittoriieys. who are at a distance from Wash- ington, and who have, therefore, to employ "associate at- torneys." We make jirelimiuary examinations and furnish ■opinions ns 10 paten'ability, free of charge, and all who are interested in new inventions and Patents are invited to send for a copy of our "(Juide lor Obtaiuini; Patents," which is sent free to any address, and Contains complete in- structions how to obtain Patents, and other valuaVile matter. We refer to the (lerman- American Natiomil Bank. Wash- iQgtoD, D. C; the Royal S>vedish, Norwegian and Danish Legations, at Washington ; Hon. Joseph Casey, late Chief Justice XI. 8. Court of Claims ; to the OlHcials of the U. S Patent Oflice, and to Senators and Slembers of Congress from every State. Address: I.4»IIIS nA««EK A C«., Solicitors of Patents and Attorneys at Law, Le Droit 13uildiug, Wash- ington, D. C. <^C^ */» tf"?n l"^'" '^'"^' "' home. Samples worth $:> free. WW XO O^^U .\ddreas Stixson ,ti Co., Portland, Maine. li-i--.'-ly' LISTEN TO THE MOCKING BIRD.-t1i<^ Prairie Whistle and Animal Imitiiloi cat! lie used by a child. It is made to imitate the song of every bird, the neigh of a horse, the bray of an ns«, the grunt of a hog; birds, beasts and snakes are euchautea and entrapped by it. Is HSed by Billy Birch, Charley While, and all the Minstrels and Warb- lers. Veutriloquiam an be learned in three days by its aid. Sent upon receipt of 10 els., 3 for '25 cis., 7 for 6U cts. 15 for $1. Address, J. W. COTTKELL & CO., 218 Fulton Street, New York. Ui-5-lm DlAWn Beautiful Coiuert (Tiaiid Piaiios.ni AKIA rlHIIU cost 8ll,»00 only 8(425. Superb Grand'JiiLIi Square fianos, cost gl.lOO only $255. Elegant Upright Pianos, cost $S00. only $'•'>•>• 2>e\v style Ujiright Pianos, $ir2.30. Orsao" SS.l. Organs. 12 slops. .S~3.50. Church Organs, 10 stops, cost !S3!M». only ^115. Elegiint !Sil~3 Mirror Top Organs, only $14>5. Tremendous sacritieeto close out present slock. liiiiiieiiMe New Steam Factory soon to be ereited. Newspaper with much iuformatlon about cosf of Pianos and Organs SKXT FKEK. Please address EAHIEL F, BEATIT, Washington, N.:. 10-S.3m Ar\ pictures of actresses and singers sent for It) cents. -Iv-' National Mokthty, Washington. D. C. 0^ ^^ ■ S^ Great cliance to make money. If you ■ B ■ ■ ■ fl V cau'e get gold you cm get greentlacks. !■ 8 ■ B 8 9 —We need a person in every town to take Vi ^# ■■&# ixnbscriptlons for the largest, cheapest and i^est lUu^i rated family ptiblication in the world. Any on© can become a successful agent. The most elegant ■works of art given free to subscribers The price is so low that almost everybody subscribes. One agent reports mak- ing over $1.50 in "a week. A lady agent reports taking over 407 subscribers in 10 days. All who engage make money fast. You can devote all your time to the business, or only your spare time. You need not be away from home over night. Y'ou can do it as well as others. Full particulars, directions and terms free. Elegant and expensive outfit free. If you want profitable work send us your address at once. If costs nothing to try the busiuess. No one who engages fails to make great pay. Addrtss "The People's Journal," Poriland, Maine. 9-.S.1V $7771 , is not e-^sily earned iu these tiiiiefi,but it cau be made iu three moutbe by Huy one of either sex, iu auy part of the country who is williug to work steadily at the emj'loyiucut that we furnish. $G0 per week in jou'" own town. You need not be away from home over uigUt. Vou can give your whole time to the work, or only your apiire momeals. It costs nothing to try the business. Terms and 15 Outfit free. Address at ouec, H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine. 9-3-1 V ^^^__^__ p ^T ^ Any worker can make$l'i h day at home. Costly uUIj^ Outfit fiee. Address Thue k Co., Augusta, Me. PATENTS K-^r; & Co. Bo.x 1T4 Waslliuglou. D. C. J. STAUFFER, LANCASTER, VENN'A. 233 EAST ORANGE ST. All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CANA- DIAN PATENTS, TRADE MAliKS, and COPYRIGHTS, promptly attended to. His experience, sucoees and faithful ateution to the interests of those who engage his servicea are fully acknowledged and appreciated. Preliminary exajuinations made for him by a reliable As Bistaut at Washington, without extra charge for drai^-ing VT description. [9-1-lf EDW. J. ZAHM, DL:AT,ltlt IN AMERICAN AND FOREIGN WATCHES, SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED V7ARE. cr.ocKS, JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY. Sole Agent for the .\rundel I'intcd spectacl.es. Repairing strictly attended to. ZA.H[Bffl:'S COFlPufEFl, North Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Pa. a week iu your own town. Terms and $.■> outfit free. Address H. Hallett & Co., Portland, Maine. 10-2-1 y* $66 A NEW BOOK. How to Raise FRUITS. A HAND-BOOK OF FRUIT CULTURE, BEING A OriDE TO TBE PROPEU OalHvation and Management of Fruit Trees^ and of Grapes and Small Fruits^ with condenHed descriptions of many of the best and most popular varieties, with upwards of one hundred engravings. ByTHOMAy Gregg. Price $1,U(). A book wqich should be owned by every pereon who owns a rod of available laud, nud it will serve to secure success whe<'e now there is nothing but failur**. It covers the ground fully, without techuiciilities, and is a work ou Fruit Culture for tbe Ii£iilio&. It tells of the cost, how to plant, how to trim, how to transplant, location, soil, selection, diseases, insects, borers, blights, cultivation, how to prune, manuring, layering, budding, grafting, etc., including full description and man- agement of Orchard Fruit, such as Applen, Peaclies, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, Nectarines, etc. It is a most comj'lete Guide to Small-Fruit Culture. with many illustrutions and descriptions of the latest vari eties of (jrajies, Strawberries, Blackberries, Kasiiberries, Gooseberries, Cui rants, etc. The work shows the value of Fruit, and how to use it. Sent by muil, post-paid, j i-ice $1 ; or The Farmer and How to raise Fruits, will be furnished at $1,75. Address I., UATIIVOX. 22 SohSIj C^iicom-sI., E.ancitKter, l*a. Scribner's Lumber and Log-Book, OVER HALF A MILL'ON SOLD. Tlie most complete book of its kind ever published. Gives correct meas- urement of all kuids of lumber, logs and plank by Doyle's Rule, cuhical contents of square and round limber, stave and heading bolt tables, wages, rent, board, capacity of cisterns, cord-wood tables, interest, etc. Standard Book throughout United States and C^mada, Ask your bookseller for it, or I will send one for 35 cents, post-paid. G. W. FISIIER, 10-2-3m] P. O. Box 23S, RoflioHter, X. Y. $125 A MONTH AND EXPENSES to AcreDts* Send stamp tor terms. £. C. FoSTSU t Co., Cincinnati, U. PEDIGREE ONION SEED. Danvers Onion Seed, raisr f Jrmn fin.' t'lioirrst ottiotifi of each crop for fifty yearn in fificccsnion ! The difference in the crop will be ten* limes greater than the cost of the seed. My Seed Catalogue free to all. 10 3-2m] JAMES J. H, GREGORY, Marbl<^liea Ci'rrnHt.1, (irnjirs, Aspara- l/ii.i, Kimtn, Pinch Irr<:s,itc. 10« SKI,E«'Ti:l> V.\- Itll-'TIES. Grfnt AtUfriCftn Utriitchei-rirn, Largest and best. Berries *2 oz. each. '.l in. around. By mail lO for 81: 100 lor 8.5; I.OOO for 840. Wilaon Alhiinij, Chan. Doirnitifi, Monarch of the Went, KntUirky, Grren I'rolific, 82 ivr I.UOO: I'n/il. JacU, h, Strrliiifl, Jucunda, 85 ler l,t>O0. ALL. PL'UE. Catalogue free. Cut this out. JOHN S. COLLINS. 10-2-3in] Mooreatown, New^Jersey. 1760. ESTABLISHED 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO., 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE, BUILDIKG HxlPvDWARE. OI.AKN, PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS, TERRA com, IROSail LEAD PIPE, LEATHER BELTING, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. Agents fur the " Ohio " Reaper and Mower, Whann's Phosphate, Fairbank's Scales, Dupont's Powder, Harrisburg Nails, &c., &c. We have the largest stock of general Hardware in the State, and our prices are as low and terms as liberal as can be found elsewhere. 9-1-tf. GOOD BOOKS Fill; THE Farm, Garden, and Household. The follo\vii;g it* :i list of Valuahle bo.>kw, winch will bo supplied by the Editor of the Lanca^^tkie Faumeu, No. 101 North Queen St. Any one or more of iht-se books will be sent pust piii'i to any of our readers on leccipt of the ret,'ulur price which is named agiiinst aach book. Alien 'b (R. L. k. L. F,] New American Farm Book $2 50 Allen's (I.. F.) Ameriem Cattle.* 2 5D Atwood'B Country !iud Suburban Hompcs 150 Bommer'R method of Milking Manures 25 Breck's New Book of t lowers 1 75 Brill's Farm-Gardening and Seed-Growing 1 00 Dadd's Modern Horse Doctor, J2nio ,,,. ISO Dadd's Americiin Cattle Doctor, 12 tiio 1 50 Flax Culture, (Seven Prize Essays by practical growers,) 30 Fuller's Grape C'ulturist 160 Fuller's Smyll Fruit Cnltarist 1 50 Fnhon's Peach Culture 1 50 Gregory ou Squashes paper.. 30 Harris ou the I'ig 150 Henderson's Gardening for Pleasure 150 Henderson's Gardening for Profit 1 *0 Henderson's Practical Floriculture 1 50 Herbert's Hints to Horse-Keepers ., 1 "S Hop Culture. By nine experienced cultivutors 30 Hvmterand Tnipper 1 nO Onions— How to Kaise them Profitably '20 Our Farm of Four Acrgs. I'a., 30c.; Clo., 60c., Ex. clo. 1 00 Parsons on the Rose 1 50 Quiuby's Mysteries of Bee-Keeplug 150 Qniucy (Hon. .losiah) on Soiling Cuttle 1 25 Quinu's Money in the Garden 1 50 Quiuu's Pear Culture for Prolit, 1 00 Hiley's Potato Pests Paper 50 cts.; cloth., 76 Koe's Play and Profit iu my Garden 1 60 Sitwarfrt Iriigaton for the Farm, Qardeu vud Orchard I 50 Stewart's Stable Book 1 68 Stewart's Shepherd's Manual 160 Stoddard's Ann Egg Farm paper, 50 cts.; cloth 75 Thomas's Farm Implements and Machinery 1 CO Tim Bunker Papers, or. Yankee Farming 150 Tobacco Culture. By fnurt.-en fxperionced cultivators. 25 Wariug's Draining for Profit and Health 1 50 Waring's Eleineuts of Agriculture 1 00 White's Cranbcn-y Culture 1 25 Wiight's Practical Poultry-Keeper' 2 00 DWIN \LDENQ AB^ERHSIN^fi/VAGENCYO , 174 ELTVt'STREET. CINCIISOS'ATI . OHIO. Advertisements inserted in any paper. Before advertising send for my catalogue. IV. THE LANCASTR FARMER. [August, 1878. "OTTT OF "WOE.Z." fioNO AND CHORtrs, BY .AXiICE SA^WTHORITE. Author of " Listen to the Mockinjr Bird," " I'll Bail the mas ever," •* What is Homo without a Mother," etc., etc. " Ont of work, without a penny, Pleading hel before thy ioor, Without friends among the many — Look with pity on the poor." • , * One of the most teaching and beautifal ballada ever written, will give the author a more extended popularity than anything she has ever written. Price 35 cents— or, iUnatrated title page 40 cents. For sale at all music slorcs. or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publiBhers, J. M. STODD.\RT b CO., 9-9 723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. 1 ESTABLISHED 1832. a. SENER & SONS, Mauufacturere and dealers in all kinds of rough and finished The best Sawed SHI\UN3f ORE.— A splendid late sort. A greater cropper than the Peerless, which it resembles in form, while far better In quality. Each, per Barrel, $4.00 ; per Bushel, $2.00 ; per Peck, 75 cents. My Illustrated Seed Catalogue free to all applicants. JAMES J H. GREGORY, f0-3-2m] 9Inrl>leheaon the receijit of 75 cents each. We have special size for cleaning seed whc-t. Address, E. TAYEOR A- CO., lO-7-lm C!evc!aia«l. Oliio. STOP AND READ ALL FORMS OF Kidney and Urinary Diseases^ Pains in the Back, Sides and Loins, are positively cured by Grant's Il.©3sa.@dy, its effects are truly marvelous in Dropsy, Gravel, Bright's disease, Seminal losses, Leuoorrhoea, and lost vigor, no niHtler of how loug standing the case may be, possitive lelief is had in from one to three days. Dojnot rttaiiair, hesi- tate or doubt for it is really a specilic and never fails. It is purely a vegetable preparation, by its timely use thousands of cases that have been considered incurable by the most eminent Physicians havo been permanently cured. It is also indorsed by Hie regular Physician and Medical Societies throughout the country. Sold in bottles at Two dollars each or three bottles, which is enough to cuTe the most aggravated case, sent to auy address on receipt of Five dollars. Small trial bottles One dollar each. All orders to be addressed to Grant's Remedy Manufacturing Co., 5.54 Main St., Worcester, Mass. HIRAM E. LUTZ, Manufacturer. 1136 MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA. AND Thoroughbred Short-Horn Cattle; Bred and For Sale by the undersigned. OF THE BEST MILKING STRAINS, aud at prices to suit the times. Herd open to i'lspectiou by strangers at all times (Sundays excepted.) I will be pleased to show my herd to visitors, and any information in regard to the cattle will cheerfully be given, by letter, as desired. lO-ii-ly] A. M. RANK, Bird-in-Haiid, Lancaster co., Pa. 1878 SPlilSG AND StMMER. 1878 RATHVON & FISHER'S CHEAP CLOTHING STORE, Corner Sortli Qiiccn aud Orange Sts., LANCASTER, PA. Good all wool Business Suits from $12 to $20 Fine Cloth or Worsted Dress Suits, 15 to 20 Fine Cassimere Pants, - - 4 to 10 Fine Vests, - - - - -3 to 6 CUSTOM WORK A SPECIALTY, and satisfaction guaranteed. READY MADE CLOTI^IING And Furnishing Goods of all kmds, very cheap. Cottonades as low as $2.50 a suit. Cloths, Cassimeres, Worst ings. Suitings, Coatings and Vestings in a full line, and made promptly to order. KATHVON & FISHEK, 13VS PRACTICAL TAILORS. lOVS $1 a Year (To Bnbecribors in ( the county. SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS To subscribers out of \ . 10-S-2m I WHEAT FREE BI.("lliKI).sT(irK CIVEN iw pi-t'iiiiunis. W. AtlceBa^- peeiCo.,^21CbarchSt.,Flul.,Pa. Xrw Ipt prize AISTR.\LIAN WhiMt. Bi<«tia II].' wnrM. FREE HOMES. HOW TO OIT THEM in the hpit rarf of the stnif . 6.000.000 BcroH for sale. For k copT of tbe **Knni»UA Paclflc Hotne- ■tead," ftddreu S. J. Oilmore, L&ad Com'r, Salioa, Eaosai. THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN. A MONTHLY JOURNAL, DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI- CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND MISCELLANY. PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY Made a prominent feature, with special reference to the wants of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit -Grower, Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Edited Isy Prof. S. S. RATHVOIT. lfr-T-3m. The Farmer will be published on the 15th of every month, printed on good paper with clear type, in con- venient form for reading and binding, and mailed to sub- scribers on the following TEEMS: To subscribers residing within the ooimty — One Copy, one year, ------ $i.oo Six Copies, one year, - ----- 5.00 Ten Copies, one year. ------- 7,50 To subscribers outside of I.,anca8ter county, including postage pre-paid by the publishers: One Copy, one year, - ----- $x.3S Five Copies, one year, - . - . . . 5.00 AU Bubscripfions will commence with the January num- ber uiileps otherwise ordered. AU communications intended for publication should bo addressed to the Editor, and. to secure insertion, should be in his hands by the first of the month of publication. All business letters, containing subscriiitious and adver- tisements, should be adilrcpsod to the publisher. The IjAnoastbu Fahmkk having comjileted its ninth year under various vicissitudes, udw commences its tenth volume irider, it is hoped, more favorable auspices than attended its former volumes. When the publisher of the last two volumes assumed the resi)on8ibilitic8 of Its publi- cation, it was with a determination to make such improve- ments as would place tbe farmer's organ of this great agri- cultural county in the very front rank of agricultural jour- nalism. That this baa been accomplished wo think our readers will bear cheerful testimony. If reasouibly sus- tained, our aim is to make it still more interesting and in- structive under ts new proprietorship. In this, however, we need the co-operatiou of every friend of the enterprise. The contributions of our able editor, Prof. Rathvon, on subjects connected with tlie science of farming, and partio- ularly that specialty of which he is so thoroughly a master- entomological science— some knowledge of which has become a necessity to the successful farmer, are aloue worth much more than the price of this X)ubbcation. LINN^US RATHVON, 9 North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa, RATES OF ADVERTISIXG— Ten Cents a line for each insertion. Twelve lines to tbe inch II. THE LANCASTER FARMER. PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD Trains leave the Depot iu this city, Leave WE TWARD. Pacifle Express** Way Passeugert Niagara Express Ool. Accommodation, MaiJ train via Mt. Joy No. 2 via Columbia Sunday Mail Fast'Liue" Frederick Accomraodation. Harrisburg Accom Columbia Accommodation.. Harrisburg Express Pittsburg Express Cincinnati Express' SCIIEDITLE. as follows : Arrive Harrisburg. 4:05 a. m. 7:50 a. m. 10:40 a. m. 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PATENTS obtained for new inventions, or for improvements on old ones, for medical or other compounds, trademarks and labels. Caveats, Assiguments, Interferences, Appeals, Suits for Infringements, aud ali cases arising under the PatentliawM,promptly attended to. Inventions that have been t> 17 T T7 /^ T^ T7 T^ by the Patent Office IX J_L, J JlL, V^ 1 XL 1^ may still, iu most cases, be patented by us. Being opposite the U. S. Patent Department, and engaged in Patent busi- ness exclusively, we can make closer searches, aud secure Patents more promptly, and with broader claims, than those who are remote from Washington. ITVTT T T7 "NTT*/^ X? C ^^^^ "8 * model or i\ V JlLi\ 1 W-tVO sketch of your device; we mak" examinations and advise as to patentability, free off cha-rro. All correspondence strictly confidential. Prices low, and NO CHARGi: UNI^ESS PATE^TT IS SE- C'i:uEn. We refer in Washington, to Hon. Postmaster General D. M. Key, Kev. F. D. Power, The German-American National Bank, to otficials in the U. S. Patent Of&ce, and to Senators and Representatives in Congress; and especially to our clients in every State in the Union and In Canada. Address C A. SBfOW A CO., W-IO-J Opposite Patent Office, Washington, D, C. The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., SEPTEMBER, 1878. Vol. X. Mo. 9. "WHAT IS HONEY-DEW?" At the last qiiarU'ily iiiccting of tliu "Bee- Keepers' Assouiatidir' of Lancaster county, the above ([uestion was proiiounded autl sum- marily answered, Imt that answer docs not seem to covfr the whole ([uestion, for honey- dew is not the result of a sin;;le cause, there being S(!veral causes which produce tlie same effect, as experience teaches. On page (iO, Vol. VIII. of The Lancas- ter Fakmek (April, 187U,) is a communica- tion from A. Allen Noe, to the ell'ect that honey-dew falls down from the upper strata of the atmosphere ; that it is an evaporation of the "aroma" of the fragrant (lowers, which condenses and falls in the form of dew. In an editorial, commencing on page 49 of the same number of The Farmer, we took issue against the theory of Mr. Noe, setting forth wliat we knew of its Aphidian origin, in corroboration of some of the best authori- ties on the subject ; but, at the same time, admitting that it sometimes occurred from other causes. AVe have had ocular demon- strations of it that could not possibly be ac- counted for purely on the insect theory, (pretty large oaks and hickories, as well as laurels, completely covered with it and not an aphid to be seen,) and, therefore, we concluded it must have been an abnormal exudation from the leaves themselves, without the aid of in- sects. On page 72, same volume of The Farmer (May, If^TO,) is a communication from W. P. Bolton, illustrating an instance in which honey-dew' was so abundant on the grass in the fields, (remote from trees,) that it glued the leaves together in the woods, and they glistened as if newly varnished, and the feathers of the fowls that waded through the grass looked as if they had been greased with oil. Mr. B. misapprehended our argument, and we replied to him in an editorial on page 00 of the same number. As a corroboration of his statement we append the following from the Home Journal, copied into the American Bee Journal for August, 1878 : Iloney-dew is a substance^not an element, but composed of elements. These elements must be compounded somewhere. The com- position takes place in plants ; every plant is a laboratory within itself. All our sugars and sweets come from plants, and are taken into the plants in an elementary form through the leaves. Plants, like animals, are so organized as to throvi' oft' by excretion excessive matter. They sometimes imbibe too much of the one element, or too little of the other, and for want of proportion of the elements, assimila- tion is retarded, and then the plant relieves itself by excretion. An undue proiwrtiou of azotized and unazotized substances causes our large forests of oak, hickory and many other trees to excrete that sweet, gummy substance known as honey-dew. It is this that causes the grass of the broad Western prairies to become so gummy as to adhere to the feathers of the wild turkeys and other birds that wade through it till they cannot fly. It is this chemical derangement of plants that causes honey-dew. Says Langlois : " I observed, during the dry season in the summer of 184:5, that the leaves of the linden tree became covered W'ith a thick, sweet liquid iu such quantity that for several hours of the day it ran off the leaves like drops of rain. Many kilogranniies might have been collected from a moderate-sized linden tree." In Grisen, Mr. Trapp possesses a Cleroden- drurn fragrans, growing in his house ; it exudes on the surface of its leaves, in Septem- ber, large colorless drops, which form regular crystals of sugar candy upon drying, showing the change proportional of carbon, hydrogen mid oxygen as the season changes and the organic activity of the leaf changes. The pro|)ortion is not assimilable nor nutritious to the plant ; the ))lant organs in their func- tions excrete it. Thus we have honey-dew, a product of |>lants by chemical derangement. Says Leil.iig : "In a hot summer, when the dciiciency of moisture i)revents the absorption of alkalies, we ol)serve the leaves of the lime tree, and other trees, covered with a thick liciuid, containing a large quantity of sugar ; the carbon of this sugar nuist, witliout doubt, be obtained from the carbonic acid of the air. The generation of the sugar takes place in the leaves ; and all the constituents of the leaves, including the alkalies and alkaline earths, must participate in effecting its forma- tion. Sugar docs not exude from leaves in most seasons ; and this leads us to conjecture that the carbon which appeared as sugar in the former case would have been applied in the formation of other constituents of this tree, iu the event of its having had a free and unimpeded circulation."— vlf/. Chem., p. l.'io. "The assimilation of substances generated in tlie leaves will depend on the quantity of nitrogen contained in the food. When a sulli- cieut quantity of nitrogen is not present to aid in tlie assimilation of the substances desti- tute of it, these substances will be separated as excrements from barks, roots, leijves and branches. The exudation of manile, gum and sugar in strong and healthy trees and plants, cannot be accredited to any other cause." — Leibiy. Many other scientific and agricultural chem- ists have written similarly touching this sub- ject, and I think it is well substantiated that honey-dew is a production of plants and is exuded tiy plant-force, not insects. That honey-dew falls, that it is extracted by punc- tures of insects, and the many other ways, equally fallacious, is argued by too many who are well capacitated to know better, if they were only more thoughtful and investigative and less willing to be deceived. — IC, Smithes Grove, Ky., July 8(/t, 1878. Singular enough not a single fact quoted by K. from other authors in the least militates against the fad that honey-dew is a'so ju'o- duced by aphids. There is no necessity in ignoring the fact that honey-dew is also caused by aphids, in order to prove that it is caused by abnormal excretion alone, for we venture to assert that any one "well capaci- tated to know," in conducting the investiga- tion, will lind that the substance called honey- dew is produced by aphids ton times, or more, to one where it is produced from other cau.ses. It cannot be possible that those who have demonstrated through a long series of years, and by numerous observations and experi- ments, that aphids eject a saccharine substance that coats, or partially coats the leaves of the plants upon which they are located, attracting swarms of honey-lapping insects — ants, (lies, bees, &c. — can have been so far mistaken in a matter so simple in its elucidation. We do not know that any of those writers, who are deemed good authority, have anywhere in- sisted that honey-dew was caused by insects alone, any more than the writers that K. has quoted insist that it was caused by abnormal excretion alone. Such a discussion of the subject would be like that between the man and his wife, as to whether the rope had been cut by a knife or a pair of scissors. The farl was that the rope was nd and was capable of being cut by (nther of the instruments re- spectively claimed by the contending parties. On pages .3(i7 and 308, September number of the same jouniai, are two articles from dif- ferent authors, one of which is illustrated, describing species of Aphis and Corciis, both of which discharge honey-dew very copiously, and are carefully and constantly attended by ants, bees, wasps, flies, &c., which feed upon this honey-dew, or collect it and store it in the honey-cells in their nests or hives. It is true that in one of the jiajiers "honey-dew" is not specilieally mentioned, but "a sweet honey-like, tluid " means about "the same thing in Dutch." The other paper describes a new species of a dilTerent family (C'o(;ciD-lv) which infests thi^ "Tulip tree," (Liriodemlron Inlipifi rn) and which hiis been named Lccanium luliji'ifenv. This insect also excretes or dis- charges honey-dew very copiously, which is appropriated by bees, ants, &c., and yet K. on page 2()9, August number of the same journal, says that "honey-dew is a production of plants and is exuded by jilant force — not insects;" that the insect view is "fallacious, and is argued by too many well capacitated to know better." A substance equivalent to honey-dew may also be lU'oduced artificially, in the ab.sence of either aphids or morbid exudation. Many times, when we were a boy, we gath(n-ed honey-dew almost as thick as marketable honey itself from the ends of white oak and hick and leave the soil in as good condition. Perhaps those who were most ap- prehensive of imjioverishment were thinking more of the exhausted and worn out lands of Maryland, Virginia and Kentucky, wliere, for a series of years, tobacco and corn were grown to the exhaustion of the land without manuring, than they were upon the well- tilled fields of Lancaster county, where farm- ers have never thought of cropping anything without manuring or fei'tilizing. An intelligent farnifr has just reported to us his experience during the past two years on this subject, and also the material results. In the fall of 1870 he sowed two acres in rye, seeding three bushels to the acre. In the 130 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ September , spring of 1877 he put ou the land thus sown a heavy eoathig of stable manure, and 195 bushels of lime to the acre. "When the rye was in head he plowed the whole down and put in a crop of tobacco. He gathered 3,200 pounds of as fine tobacco as was grown in the county, and it brought as good a price — tliis was 1,000 pounds to the acre. After tlie crop was gathered ho plowed down the same land and sowed, in the fall of 1877, three bushels of mixed Fultz and old red blue stem wheat, weighing 245 pounds, without adding manure of any kind. His wheat was neither drilled nor cultivated, but was sown broadcast. This summer (1878) his two acres yielded ninety (90) bushels — that is 45 bushels to the acre — and now the enclosure has a very promising crop of timothy and clover. He also turned down a field of clover last year, when the second crop was in bloom and sowed it in wheat, and this season it yielded thirty-five bushels to the acre. This field re- ceived no manure other than the clover which was plowed down last season. This is not intended to illustrate that to- bacco does not exhaust the soil, but that by an intelligent course of replenishment the soil may work for the farmer just as the horse does for the drayman. If the drayman was to cease feeding his horse, he would become exhausted in a single day ; but by generous feeding he supplies the daily ' ' wear and tear, ' ' and the horse continues to perform his labor effectively as long as he is well fed ; it is even so with land in a dense population, after it has lost its virgin .strength. In the suburbs of nearl}' all our large cities are enclosures that have been cropped with the same vege- tation for twenty, sixty or a hundred years or more, and those enclosures never wear out, because the owners of them keep feeding them with rich manures, composts and fertilizers, and they are well aware tliat their success in "•truck-gardening" depends upon their fidelity to the soil, which is the medium of their success. Farming on practical and scientific princi- ples is intended to supplant the contingencies of exhausted and worn out lauds. THANKS. We are under special obligations to our friend, Mr. William Weidle, of East Orange street, for luscious clusters of the Israella grape ; a fine brace of the Bartlett pear ; also specimens of tlie Crawford Early and the Foster peaches. Two bunches of the grapes were singularly twined together in a compact mass and weighed over a pound. The Foster peaches were part of the "maiden crop" of a young tree, going in its second year. Speci- mens of this kind are not hard to "take," be- cause they nut only coutribute to our mental gratification, but also to our physical comfort. Do as we will we can not ignore the physical ; moreover, the physical constitution is the "plane and continent" upon which alone can be developed a normal, moral and intellectual nature. Our thanks are also due to Mr. Henry Sener for a generous donation of "Sener's Holland Pippin " apples, and the celebrated "Sener Premium Peaches ;" the latter measuring over nine inches in circumference and weighing half a pound. It is a consolation to know tliat both these fruits are under the culture of prominent fruit growers in different parts of our county, and we may reasonably expect that in a few years they will be widely dif- fused, and the lovers of good fruit will liave ample opportunity to gratify a cultivated taste. Mr. Daniel Siueych, who has the ex- clusive control of this peach, will soon be enabled to furnish the market with nursery stock in abundance. We are likewise under obligations to Daniel Smeych for his fine clusters of Rebecca, Creve- ling and Diana grapes, and for luscious siieci- mens of the "Sener Centennial Peach." How incomparably superior these peaches are to the masses of this fruit W'hich finds its way mto our market, and we may wonder that any peach-grower should bother himself with those poor kinds when a better and more profitable kind are so very accessible. The Susquehana is a larger peach (specimens before us grown by INIrs. 15. F. Bear, of East Chest- nut street, Lancaster, weighing 12 ounces and measuring 114 inches in circumference), but they do not possess the luscious, fragrant and edible qualities of the former. BEES AND GRAPES. Kow is the time to test the question as to whether bees cut the skins of the grapes to extract the sweets that are inside. For oiu'- self, we may be permitted to say that we are by no means convinced, by our personal obser- vations thus far, that the charge which has been made against the bees in this respect can be sustained, the very respectable testi- mony that has been educed to the contrary notwithstanding. We have had, the present season, Concord, Isabella, Hartford Prolific and Martha grapes in pretty abundant fruit- age, and for the first time we have noticed bees about tliera, and then only about the Concord. Although we watched them fre- quently, we never saw one attempt to cut the skin of the fruit. Tliey would light upon it, and with some manifestation of eagerness or anxiety run over it, but when they found it sound they would immediately leave, and con- tinue their search elsewhere. It appeared to us as if they were searching for a fountain already opened, instead of opening one for themselves. Before we condemn the bees we ought to be more thorough in our observation than those which seem to have been made heretofore. We should not judge altogether from ap- pearances, but "judge righteous judgment." It will not do to condemn bees because of their want of discrimination, and thus falling into bad company. Only this forenoon (Sept. 5th,) Mr. John Thomas, of East Orange street, called us into his garden to witness tlie bees at his grapes. He has a very fine crop of Concords and Isabellas, with an ordinary crop of Clintons. The bees were confined to the Concords, and they were there in great numbers. Mr. Thomas' vines are so full that some of the grapes are rotting, and the skins of many of them have a long straight incision or rupture, as if they had been bursted open by internal expansion or external contraction, and wherever they are bursted open the bees were helping themselves greedily. There were also many wasps and large flies present, but we failed to find any of these insects cutting the fruit. Mr. T. keeps corncobs saturated with a sugar solution, and pieces of sweet apples suspended on his vines, and these were as full of bees, wasps and flies as any of the clusters having rotting or fractured grapes upon them. And not only this, but the grape skins lying on the ground, and a vessel con- taining apple parings, cores, and peach and grape skins were also plentifully visited by the aforenamed insects, all busily engaged in making an "honest living." Indeed, iii those parts of the grape arbor where tlie fruit was all sound, no bees or wasps at all were present, except, perhaps, an occasional straggler or two, that seemed to be exploring for a frac- tured or rotten grape. It is well known tliat bees will visit almost anywhere where they can find a supply of saccharine matter. Our groceries, where sugar is exposed, are full of them, and many thousands of them daily fall victims to their want of judgment in making their escape. After they are gorged tliey make a "bee-line" for the open air, and mis- taking the large modern windows for opeu doors they fly into those recesses and are in- tercepted by the large plate-glasses and liave not the tact to go backward and flank the side glasses, but persist in beating their heads against the front until they fall down from sheer exhaustion, and have not the ability to rise again. After the late fire at Mr. Levan's groceiy store, on North Queen street, we could have gathered half a bushel of boes from those windows in a single day. This cannot lie considered the normal habit of bees ; it is merely an adaptation of means to ends, through extraordinary circumstances ; aad from all we have been able yet to learn, from personal observation, the case is a similar one in regard to "bees and grapes." Surely if the proper investigations were instituted, with a view to discover the truth, divesting the subject of all prejudice or partiality on the part of those conducting it, the question might be settled to the satisfaction of all concerned. While it is pretty clear to us tliat tlie bees are not guilty in the form of the indictment against them, we are not among those who assume the impossibility of their so offending. Bees are mandibulated iusects, and while their mandibles are not so well developed as cutting instruments as those of wasps and hornets, still they possess considerable mandibular power— sufficient to break through trumpet- shaped flowers, in which they sometimes be- come imprisoned. On the 27th of August, 1878, we discovered a honey-bee gnawing around the stem of an Osage orange leaf, and we watched it for twenty minutes or more ; and so intent was it on what it was doing that it did not recognize our presence until we touched it. After it flew away we examined the leaf stem, and found that it had made a visible impression upon it, but still the epi- dermis was not cut through, only somewhat bruised. What its object may have been is more than we can conjecture, but we may infer that it was working to some purpose. * In conclusion, we would admonish those who attempt to investigate the subject, to do so calmly, perseveringly and thoroughly, and not hastily, superficially and spasmodically. The money invested in liees, their accommodations and productions, is too considerable in our country and the world at large, to be jeo- pardized upon mere rumor — to be subjected to the vicissitudes of a mere contingency. From the time that Samson discovered the swarm of bees in the carcass of the lion down to the present time, bees have been great domestic and commercial factors in the social economy of the human family, and to ignore them now, or account them domestic enemies, is repug- nant to the feelings and sentiments of a large and respectable class of human society. ^ LIME AS A MANURE. It is singular that there should be such a diversity of opinion among practical farmers in regard to the use of lime as a manure or fertilizer to their lands. Brand, in his "Dic- ti(5nary of Science," says : " It is a curious fact that the use of lime as a manure is en- tirely a European pi'actice, its employment iu this way having never lieen so much as dreamed of by the nations of Asia and Africa." From Europe it was introduced into America, and so far as our recollection can liossibly extend backward it has been in use here, for that purpose, all of sixty years. It is nearly so long ago as that since we worked on a farm, and we can recall one occasion when we helped to "spread lime." Of course we knew uothinii about tlie theonj of its use, or whether it was applied intelligently or not. It, however, was generally conceded to be useful to the Zand, and "limestone hind" was al- ways made a point of excellence when it was advertised for sale, or when it was sought for as a local investment. If it was entirely useless, of little or no benefit to the land, or did not "pay," the farmers of Lancaster county were a dreadful long time in finding it out, and at a heavy cost. The barrenness of the "gravel hills," the " Conewago Ridge" and the "Barrens of York " was attributed to their want of lime, and the farmer whose lands and forests pro- duced "whiteoak and limestone" was regarded as highly favored, if not a sulijcct of envy. It is true they differed very much about the quantity that ought to be applied, and jier- haps they were generally unconscious of a dif- ference in its quality. It was, however, con- sidered (jood for the land as a general proposi- tion, but tlie quantity ranged from fifty all the way up to three liundred bushels to the acre, without being able to tell why they dif- 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 131 fered. Presently, however, some very intelli- gent ami expert aijrieultural eheniists have delivered sentiments adverse to its use as a manure or a fertilizer to their lands, and henec a prolonged discussion has ensued, in which it is alleged, on the one hand, thai lime is not and never has been of any material advan- tage to the soil and the crops ; and, on the other hand, that lime as an element of fertility, is '"king," and that without it our fertile lauds would gradually become barren wastes. The application of lime to land must, how- ever, be subject to certain chemical principles or laws, and when those laws arc violated its benefits cannot be as effective as if applied in Iiarmony with those principles or laws. For instance, to apply lime to depleted lands where lime is already in sutliciency, or in ex- cess, and to reap no benefit from such appli- cation, by no means constitutes a case by which to accurately determine the fertilizing qualities of lime, any more than a surfeit would prove that men should subsist without food. But where land in its natural condi- tion is entirely destitute of lime it seems rea- sonable to suppose that it should be artificially applied, unless the object is to only cultivate such species of vegetation as need no lime ; and it is, perhaps, this disproportion and a want of a chemical knowledge of the constitu- ent elements of the soil that has fnially led to the discrediting of lime, and its abandonment altogether. Lime is a simple earthy sub- stance, and is produced by exposing lime- stone, chalk, or carbonate of lime, to a red heat — an operation generally conducted in kilns constructed for that purpose. The car- bonic acid, or carbonic acid gas, previously a component of the limestone, is thus expelled, and lime, more or less pure, according to the original quality of the limestone, remains, and is usually called quicklime. (Juicklime has a strong chemical atiinity for water or moisture, and when this is applied it becomes heated, and is what is called slaked. Slake means to quench oi satisfy ; to saturate with water. By a longer and a slower process quicklime will absorb moisture from the atmosphere, and finally become slaked. Its hunger or atiinity for water is satisfied, when it is no longer quicklime but slaked lime, or an hydrate vf lime. This slaking process, in con.sequence of the absorjition of a portion of carbonic acid from the atmosphere, gradually reverts it to- wards its original condition, or carhomile of lime, and it loses its caustic quality. Pure quicklime reduced to a powder, and applied to vegetation in that condition, would cer- tainly be an injury to it — would burn it — hence many of those who freely use lime, haul it to their fields and let it remain in great heaps for weeks or months before they spread it over the land. The longer it remains ex- posed before plowing it under, the riiore carbon it absorbs ; and the more it has the more it will have to give off in its decomposition and assimilation with the soil. Vegetation absorbs carbon and gives off oxygen. The animal world absorbs oxygen and gives off carbon, and thus one supports the other. A good, healthy aquatic plant growing in an aquarium will give ort' sufficient oxygen to support a proportionate number of animals, and they in turn will give off sufficient carbon to support the plants. The lime naturally in the soil, from the at- trition of limestone rock, is not quick lime, but a carbonate of lime ; and the nearer quick- lime can be brought to that elementary condi- tion, no doubt, the better it will be for the land. The burning of limestone — driving off the carbon in it — and then slaking it and reducing it to a powder is, a more effective and rapid mode of lirins^ing it to the proper conditiciu for assimilation with the soil than the slow process of natural attrition ; and in this is involved the necessity of applying lime to land ; and probably it is because there is not sufficient chemical knowledge abroad, re- lating to the specific constituents of soils, that has led farmers to apply lime where it was not needed, and its failure to do any good. Lime has a metallic basis called cakium, hence the purer, or crystallized varieties of it arc called calcareous spur, and although the varieties of its crystalline forms are many— running into hundreds — yet its i)rimitive form is always rhoiiibic, and it will always cleave in that form, (an ol)lique oblong square). But lime is not onmipot(^nt, and tlierefore land, in order to be productive, also needs other elements, especially vegetable mould, and nothing yields this more abundantly and more richly than barnyard manure. It also needs phosphates, sulphates and ammoniates, according to the nature of the respective crops that may be imder cultivation, or that may bo desired. The fact that some farmers have used lime so lavishly — from two to three hundred bush- els to the acre — seems to evince that it cannot be a very dangerous element, or it might hav(! totally destroyed their crops instead of benefit- ing them, "Without committing ounself either for or against lime, wo think it will continue "to be used as long as the question rests merely on opinion — it must be determined by a practi- cal demonstration. Lime as a manure, or fertilizer, has been discredited both by Prof, Heiges and Mr, Carter, in their late lectures before the Lancaster Agricultural and Horti- cultural Society, They, perhajis, did not in- tend to repudiate it altogetlHr, but they certainly denied the claims made for it by some ofthe members, as expressed in the dis- cussion upon it at the Sei)tembcr meeting of the society. From Mr, Carter's views it may be inferred that lime has been abandoned as a fertilizer at the "AVest Grove Experimental Farm," of which he is the superintendent. Whether this view is based upon practical experience or upon mere opinion, it seems that the system which obtains at that establishment does not meet the approbation of the "Farmers' Club" of Philadelphia, for it has had a resolution under discussion for some time that the West Grove establishment is an utter failure, (and at a recent meeting it came very near passing that resolution,) and that its continuance is an imposition upon the taxiiayers of the State of Pennsylvania, The main significance of this action of the club is, at least, an indication that there is a great diversity of opinion among those sup- posed to be competent to form an opinion in a matter fundamentally relating to the highest interests of agriculture. The .same or similar opinions have been entertained and expressed in regard to the State Agricultural College, So that the very authority of those who are suiiiiosed to be competent, and possess the facilities to determine questions of soil and its manipulation upon scientific principles, is doubted by those who believe that their per- sonal experience demonstrates a diflerent or opposite result. This may illustrate how little we know, how slowly we accpure that little, and also that there are relations to, and rami- fications of, the main subject that are to be considered before arriving at fixed conclusions. cold frames. The better sorts for Autumn sowing are the Dutch Butler, Iloyal Cabbage, Large White Butter, and Imperial, Spinach sow early in monlli for Autumn use ; later for Winter and Spring, Turnips and Itula Baga cultivate. REMINDERS FOR SEPTEMBER. In the Middle States, many and varied are the duties which devolve on the gardener at this season. Not only do the growing crops demand attention, but seeds are to be sown to provide the necessary plants for the ensu- ing Spring, Roots are to be divided and re- set ; strawberry-beds planted, etc. Cabbage, Jersey Wakefield and Landreth's Large York, sow, to plant out in Autumn, where the local- ity admits, or box up in cold frame, to keep till planting time in Spring ; the latter end of the month will be time enough to sow in the latitude of Philadeli>hia ; especially sow the newly-introduced sub-variety : Bloomsdale Early Market or Early Bloomsdale ; also the Bloomsdale Brunswick as a succession. Tur- nips, the Early Dutch and lled-topped, may be sown within the first week of this month, if failure has attended earlier efforts. In some sections the jly devours the early sowing. They are less Voracious after the nights be- come cool and dews heavy. Celery earth up. Corn salad, scui"vy grass and cheiTil sow for Winter salad. Lettuce sow, for Spring plant- ing ; the plants to be kept during Whiter in CORRESPONDENCE. West Ciiesteh, AiiKU8t22, 1878. Mh.Rathvon — fiir: Iliave rcceiveilTiiE Farmer eontaininKyour account ofthe lioiicy-bee pcet. Aflcr seniliiij; you the bees I fouiiil llie weed or flower eon- tainini,' them. It prows on marsliy land around my iiilU dam. It Is very plenty, and the flowers grow In clueliTS and are of a pink color, with a stalk from two to tlii-ee feel hif^li. The clusters contain many small tlowcrs and arc six sided, and at the top of caeli side you will see the lilack speck and llic wini;- like sulistance rnclosed below, lyincr on each side of the blossom. When freshly bloomed the bee becomes fastened and is not able to leave the flower, but as It ripens the pollen mass pulls out and the bee Is re- leased. I have found as many as from three to five bees on a sinfrle cluster, tryine to extricate them- selves. It has a very sweet odor and is of the milk- weed class. Are they seeds, or are they an insect! I send you enclosed a flower and leaves of the plant. Whilst under a maifnifyinsf qflass, with a needle, you can remove the pest from the flower and see its forma- tion or manner of growth. — Yours, respectfully, Win. J. Pyle. p. S. — This plant in the fall has a bulb, and blows much like cotton, and in the pods are seeds much like parsnip seeds. The "Ilangine-Birds," in the spring, use the bark of the old stalks as strings to hanff their nests with, it being very strong and tough. — P'jlc. The plant enclosed came duly to hand, and proved to be the " swamp milk-weed," (As- clepias incarnata,) and the matter has termi- nated as we suspected, wlien we wrote our "final" suggestion in the July number of The Farmer. Since our correspondent's experi- ences have confirmed our suspicious we have found other records than the one we alluded to there, all to the same effect. The little pedunculated lobes are neither seeds nor in- sects, but are the pollen masses which contain the seminal element that fertilizes the flowers and renders the seeds fruitful. If our corres- pondent has access to a copy of "Gray's Botanical Text-Book," published in 18.">0, he will find the whole subject described and illus- trated on pages 315 ai'id 450. The excretion of a gummy, saccharine substance from the flowers is, perhaps, common to the whole familv of "milk-weeds" or "silk-weeds," (Asc'LEPiADACE^,) at Icast we know it to be so with the common "milk-weed," [Asclepias cornitti,) for \re have found both living and dead bees, flies and other insects on these flowers scores of times, in the month of July. They were fastened by the feet to these treach- erous flowers without the ability to extricate themselves, and thus were poisoned or starved to death. A beautiful red and black-spotted Longicom beetle, {Tclraopes tornator,) is al- ways found on this plant, and seldom or never on any other during the nuptial season ; and the larva of a large reddish brown and white spotted butterfly {Danaus archippcs,) feeds upon the foliage. Dr. Gray describes four- teen species of Asclepjias iu the main body of his work, and two in an appendix, as being indigenous to North America. There must be something in the odor or the nectar of these plants that is very attractive to insects. The common liumble-bees (Boinhus americnniis, et a!,,) resort to it in numbers, and often seem slnggi.sh or intoxicated after partaking of its insidious sweets. There are two beautiful black and orange colored insects (Lyyetcs atdi- cus et turcicus,) that are also partial to it, be- sides several smaller species, ( Capsus). The most singular feature of the matter is that the bees should manifest such a repug- nance towards their companions after they are infected by these pollen masses— so much so as to drag them out and deny them the privileges of domiciliation. In a correspon- dence between Mr, Stauffer and Dr. Asa Gray on this subject, the latter states that this fact is entirely new to him. If it were the eggs or the larvaj of an enemy to the hive, the instincts of the other bees might lead them to reject their infested associates on 132 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ Sepember principles of self-presexTation, but for objects so small, so temporary and so apparently harmless as these tiny pollen masses their conduct seems incomprehensible. Are the bees in error ? do they misapprehend the nature of the infection ? We have every con- fidence in your observations, but we suggest that they should be well confirmed and cor- roborated for the satisfaction of the more in- credulous. We give you the credit for making the discovery, and your long experience in apiculture ought to add to the importance of your observations. It is the establishment of this fact that imposes the necessity of apply- ing a remedy against its repetition or con- tinuance. We should have supposed tlie ather bees would have assisted their companions in divesting themselves of this obnoxious dross ; but if it is otherwise, then there is nothing left but to destroy all the A&clejmts or milk- weeds wherever they may exist. QUERIES AND ANSWERS. W. L. H., Bapho, Lancaster county. Pa. — The pale green (nearly white) insect, with delicate antennae about twice the length of its body ; long and thin legs, the hinder pair twice as long as the front ones, and formed for leaping ; the wings overlapping each other horizontally on the back, and twice as wide at the apex as they are at the base ; is a male specimen of the "Tree-cricket," (CEcantlMs niveus), and belongs to the order Ortuopte- TERA, and family Aciietad^, which in- cludes the various kinds of crickets. You say it has been detected in eating hole.s in the tender leaves of the tobacco plant, to their great injury, &c., &c. Well, that charac- teristic is not by any means new to the coun- try, although it may be to the county. That fact was recorded by Dr. Harris about thirty years ago, as coming from a correspondent who was interested in the tobacco culture in the State of Connecticut, alleging that they very much injured the quality, and hence tlie market of the tobacco in that State, by eating holes in the leaves. They are very quick in their movements — and in their adult states can either leap or fly, as the case may bo ; and, therefore, in that state they would be diflicult to capture, especially if the attempt were made in the middle of the day, when they are usually hidden under the leaves. When young, if cautiously approached, they might be captured in a hand-net swept over the plants, but any attempt to poison them might fail. a. S. iS., Esq., Lancaster, Pa. — The grey, spotted and wave-lined lizard you captured in the "old wreck" on the Atlantic beach, be- low Ocean Grove, is the Tropedolqnis nndu- latus of naturalists. The common names of "Brown Lizard," or "Wave-lined Lizard," are usually given them, and they vary so much in color and markings that sometimes neither of these names could be strictly ap- plied to them. But, more remarkable still, in our boyhood, and in oiu- district, they were locally called "Man-keepers," and "Man- eaters," and it was a subject of greater won- der to us how such a little animal could keep a man or eat a man than it was how a wolf could eat up "Little Red Ridinghood" and her grandmother, clothing and all, in such ii short space of time. We once kept one in a bottle over night, leaving an aperture for air, and in the morning wc found it had deposited two disproportionately large eggs. W. S. 31., EUzabethtoum, Lancaster county, Pa. — We could not find any insects in the peach branch you tent us. The small round holes in it seems to have been made by a species of Scolytus or Tomiciis, a small 1)lack or brown cylindrical beetle ; at least the per- forations are like those in a branch similarly infested, which we received from Maryland, some years ago, and from which we bred in- sects belonging to the same family. The flat cocoon, spun in an angle of the branch, had nothing to do in producing the beetles. The small round holes in it were made by the beetles in making their escape from the branch through it. The branch does not seem to have been very seriously infested, and it would be difficult to devise a remedy for their de- struction after they are once in the wood. Oc- casionally they are numerous for a season and then disappear for years. Generally they are not partial to the peach. For The Lancaster Farmer. RANDOM THOUGHTS— No. 4. Lime and Magnesia. In the criticism in the weekly Examiner and Express, of August 14th, ou Pi of. Heiges' views of the effects of lime and magnesia, Mr. A. A. Breueman omits to state that magnesian limestone is the source from whence hydraulic lime (cement) is obtained ; this fact explains why the soil c:ikes when this kind of lime is applied ; should a sufficiently large quantity be applied the soil would become as firm and hard as rock, and would probably remain so for ages. Farmers will do well to be careful in apply- ing lime which contains magnesia, and if present in large quantities they should avoid its use entirely, as it is better to let any soil do the best it can than to try to make a water- proof wall out of the surface by the use of this deleterious substance. If any farmer really supposes that his soil needs magnesia he can supply it by applying sulphate of mag- nesia, (epsom salts,) a very soluble .salt, and which has sometimes been used in place of gypsum, (sulphate of lime,) it being quicker in its action and answering the same purpose for which the latter is applied — for the sid- phuric acid contained. Go West. Dull times, by some called "hard times," have given the Western land companies the opportunity to give Greeley's famous advice of "go West, young man, go West," and they are not slow to improve the opportunity, as you can hardly take up a newspaper now- a-days that is not got an advertisement of one or more of these companies. To each is always appended the clause — "maps and circulars free." And the circulars ! Can it be possible that anybody is left in the East except fools ! Such soils, some four feet or more in depth of un- surpassed fertility that require only the scratching of a couple of dung-hill fowls to produce from 40 to 60 bushels of wheat ; corn, potatoes, oats, &c., in proportion ! Apples, pears, &c., need to be planted only a few years until you have fruit in abundance ! It must also be a very remarkable country, as in my school days I was taught to believe that hills were a necessity where valleys existed. These circulars speak only of " smiling " valleys and " rolling prairies " — perhaps the rolling prai- ries are where the hills would be. I have no dictionary published in Kansas, Nebraska or Minnesota, and may be, therefore, ignorant of the meaning of words in the Western lingo. But why do not these circulars give more information about the other great produc- tions ; such as storms of wind and hail ; grasshoppers that come in clouds as did the locusts of Egypt ; armies of chinch bugs that save the farmer putting away his wheat ; a cold so intense that even the thermemeter is ashamed or incapable of registering it ; water in overwhelming quantities at one time, and not to be obtained for miles at another time. Of course it is not to be supposed that all these ills exist at one and the same place, but I believe it would be to the interest of the companies to tell of their existence, of their extent, &c. As the descriptions now are some of the over-sanguine settle at sucli i)lacps and are badly disa])pointed ; they let their friends from whence they came know of their di.sap- pointmeut, andtiipy do not let the coloring l)e wanting to give the darkest shade possil)lc. Had the circulars stated truly, a different per- son might have settled there, and taking good and bad as it came, found the good to over- balance the evil, and been the cause of more like him to settle there, There are some things and qualities a settler must possess in order to be benefited by mov- ing West : 1st. He must be possessed of some means after he arrives at his destination, in order that he can purchase land, farming imple- ments, stock, &c. ; or in ease he is a mechanic that he can purchase stock, tools, &c. It is worse than folly for any one to try the west without means. 2nd. Perfect good health of himself, wife and children are also necessary, when he de- pends upon his ability to make a way in the world ; physicians also are few and far apart, as they nearly always locate in w-ell settled districts in order that they may have enough neighbors to give a living practice. 3rd. He must have snap enough to take advantage of every opportunity ; a weak, ir- re.solute, wavering man is a failure as a .settler, and will do better to stay where he and his better qualities are known ; whore his neigh- bors employ and trust him Ijecause they know of his ability to do when properly directed by others. 4th. A determination to put up with many inconveniences to which he has been accus- tomed heretofore. It will be found that schools, churches, stores and mills are often miles away ; that every-day social intercourse, and this perhaps will be most severely felt, is not so frequent and easy as at his old home. While I would not cry down the west, for it is a good place to live, and there may be better and more chances to get along "than with us, yet this much is certain, that set- tlers in the new parts have to go through the hardships and privations that our forefathers did when they settled this part of the country. The letters from the west that are published in eastern papers are in many cases on a par with the " reliable correspondent " of the war period, not that they are made up from rumors; or "out of the whole cloth," but they usually give the bright .side and individual experience when such experience is pleasant and good. You do not see many of these let- ters that give the dark side of their less lucky neighbor. If you value very highly your ease, your comforts, your social intercourse, and con- sider them necessities, do not "go west." If you do go, go understandingly and with open eyes. The Hessian Fly. A circular of Mape's "complete manure" contiiins an extract from a lecture by Prof. A. J. Cook, of the Michigan State Agricul- tural College, the gist of which is as follows : There are generally two broods of the fly, the first in April and May, and the second in .July and August ; sometimes a third brood appears in October. [These are bred, no doubt, from wheat sown very early.] Sometimes three eggs are laid on a leaf, in other cases two, 1)Ut in most cases only one ; these hatch out as a small maggot, in from four to ten days, aisd work down int^ the sheath of the leaf, where they change into the condition they are generally known. The eggs of the spring brood, if laid on winter wheat, are laid on the leaves above the first or second joint. If some wheat is sown early and other sown late, all the eggs will be laid ui)on the early wheat ; but if none is sown early the flies will wait. Onisequenthj it is icell to soiv a narrow .itrip of wheat (d)out each field in August or early September, and to put off, as long as the season permits, the irheat that is to be raised. Most of the eggs will tlien be laid ujion this early wheat, which should be plowed under deeply as soon as the later wheat is planted. This outer strip may then be sowed again. If the wheat has survived the winter safely, but seems likely to be destroyed by the insects in sjiriug, it should either be rolled and pastured out to .sheep, or it should be mowed about throe weeks after the first appearance of the flies. A second mowing three weeks later will be beneficial. From the above we would infer that the rolling is, of course, done to crush the embryo fly by the weight of the roller. The pasturing 1878.] THE' LANCASTER FARMER. 133 and tlie cutting is, of course, also intciulcd to kill it, and is probably successful where the eggs had been laid on the the leaves above the first and second joints. Wlii'n these joints are cut oil', of course all hopes of an ear are at an end from that -stem, and we must hope that the plant will throw out more suckers in order to make up foi- those cut off, and this the plant will do and make heads yet if it has sufficient strength. To supi>ly this strength, if the soil is nut in the very best condition, a quick acting fertilizer should be applied, and thi.s is i)robably thi^ reason why the ex- tract is found in a fertiiizer circular, though not said in so many words. If 1 had a lield of wheat badly infested with the lly, 1 think I would pasture down (piickly by putting pU'nty of stock on, be it fall or spring, and then sow on some fertilizer like this complete manure, or nitrate of soda, iu order to hasten a quirk growth, and I have no doubt but what 1 would save the wheat, and, perhaps, even get an extra yield. May not the cultivation of wheat, which is now so strongly reconunended, destroy the (ly, or perhaps the eggs, and this be one of the chief causes of an increased yield ? The cidti- vatiou also has the effect of making the plant throw out new suckers, and these having no fly in them to weaken them, they would soon outgrow the older parts of the plant and smother it ; the new stems being strong and healthy, probably gives that stiffness to the Straw for whicli the cultivated helds are so noted. I give the suggestions of the two last para- graphs for what they may be worth, and hope they will draw out the views of those who have had the experience, both iu fertilizing and cultivating wheat. Fertilizer Experiments. The growing interest manifested as to the application of artilicial manures and as to the profits of such application, has made the fer- tilizer dealers anxious to convince farmers, fruit raisers and truck raisers, and f(U' this purpose packages are jiut up known as trial packages, each containing one of the principal plant foods — nitrogen, phosphoric acid, or potash, or a combiuation of any two or all three. The Mape's Formula and Peruvian Guano Company seem to take the load in putting up these trial packages. They have two sets now, as below : Set A. — This set has seven bags ; bag No. 1 contains nitrogen ; No. '2, phosphoric acid; No. 3, potash; No. 4, nitrogen and phosphoric acid; No. 5, phosphoric and jjotash ; No. G, nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash ; No. 7, plaster. Besides these there are extras, covering about the same ground, but tlie materials from which the plant foods are obtained aie from a ditt'erent source. Thus in bag No. 1 of set A the nitrogen is obtained from the nitrate of soda ; in the extras in liag I o, it is obtained from sulphate of ammonia, and in bag 1 h, from dried blood. It will be seen that in .set A all the combinations are made th.at are pos- sible, except that the combination of nitrogen and potash is omitted. This is, I suppose, on the supposition that where these two are missing phosphoric acid is also wanting. The intention is that the fertilizers be applied in alternate strips, thus : Bag I on plot No. 1 ; nothing on plot No. 2 ; bag II on plot No. 3 ; nothing on plot No. 4 ; bag III on plot No. .5, &c. These tests should show what plant-food is mostly wanting. If bag IV brings an extra crop, it shows that the soil contains plenty of potash ; if no better than the umiiaunred plot, then the soil wants potash, so the other bags show the want of some particular plant- food, or its existence in sufficient (piantity. When it has been determined what plant- food is most needed, of cour.se the experi- menter will buy that fertilizer which is rela- tivelv richer in that which is missing. "ir/ie Completf M(uxur< t in a few favored spots, little can be hoped of tlie semi-troiiical varieties north of latitude l!(P. That the IC. ijlohului has earned by fair ex- lieriment its name of fever tree, as a preven- tive, seems now to be settled. Its rapid growth must make it a gnsat drainer of wet soils, while its marked tcrebinthine odor may liave its inlluence, and it is highly probable that the liberation of this essence into the air stands connected with its generation of ozone. But, Avhatever the sanitary activities of the eucalypt may be, the fact is squarely settled that spots in Italy, nniidiabitable because of the malarial fever, have been rendered tpler- able by the planting of TJ. globulus, and it is l)elieved that a more plentiful [ilanting would nearly if not ([uite removes the diiliculty. A military post is mentioned in Algeria, in which the garrison had to bo changed every live days, such was the virulence of the malaria." A plantation of eucalypts cleared the miasma nearly away, anerson at least who may reasonably demur to making the ox's back a convenience for the re- production of the bott-lly — and he is the tan- ner. Many a valuable ox hide has been seriously injured from the holes made by the larvie of these insects. — Village liecord. CLOVER AND CHINCH BUGS. Horatio Sparks, of St. Cloud, Wisconsin, in The World, says : From my experience with chinch bugs the last twoseas(ms I am well sat- islied that all grain-lields if liberally sown to clover at seed time — say from lift ecu to twenty pounds of clover-seed per acre, salt at the rate of half a barrel, and plaster from 100 to 150 pounds per acre — no fear of chinch bugs need be entertained. The salt and pl.aster give the clover a heavy and liixurant growth, so that it comiiletcly shades the ground, to the dis- comliture of Hie chinch bug. It is a frail in- sect, and cannot llourish except in the sun- shine and with the ground clean about the grain roots. The salt and plaster not only make twice the bulk of clover that would nat- urally grow without it, but add from 20 to :iO iier cent, to the grain crop. Tlie salt hardens and stiffens the straw, produces a rank growth, and prevents blight, rust and mildew, and destroys all grubs and cut-worms that come in contact with it. In 1870 I seed- ed three acres on one side of a ten-acre lot that was sown to Canada spring wheat witli one bushel of clover-seed and half a bushel of tim- othy-seed, well mixed. The result was, it com- pletely occupied the ground. After tlie w^heat and grass were nicely iq) I .sowed one half of the IJiree acres with salt and plaster, mixed at the rate of two bushels of salt to 100 pounds of iilaster. On the other half I sowed 200 ])ounds of plaster and no salt. The result was the half of the field that was treated with salt and plaster was much better than the half treated with iilaster alone. The clover on the first was much of it headed at harvest time and was a perfect mat. I cut it with a strong light reaper, called the Triumph, and one of the be.st machines, I think, manufactured. I kept the wheat from those three acres separ- 136 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ Septembei", ate from my other wheat and threshed eighty bushels of a No. 1 article. There was uo chinch bugs on the three acres, while the Other portion of the Held was nearly destroyed by them, as were all my other fields that year. In 1877 I sowed clover seed on all my fields and treated all but one four-acre field with salt and plaster. The result was all the land thus treated produced a luxurant crop of clo- ver, a fine crop of grain and the finest possible pasture in the fall. In consequence of the last my animals all got fat, and 1 had a fine coat of manure ou my fields to plough under. On the four-acre field, not dressed with salt and plaster, the clover killed out in spots, and the wheat ripened prematurely in spots. On ex- amination I found these spots black with bugs. But, on the whole, I got a fair crop of wheat from the field. I hold therefore that clover is the sheet anchor of success to the farmer in renovating and enriching his land, and salt and plaster compose tlie great balance-wheel that will crown all his efforts. I mix the salt and plaster on the barn fioor in a box, at the rate of two bushels of salt and 100 pounds of plaster. When mixed 1 put it in my wagon- box, and, driving slowly over the field, apply the mixture from the rear of the wagon with liberal hand. COAL ASHES AND CURCULIO. I have for several years saved my plums from the ravages of the cm'culio by the use of coal-ashes. They become so completely dis- gusted with it that they leave for other parts. Just so soon as the blossoms fall I commence with my ashes. I take a bucketful of the ashes under my arm, and with the other hand I dash the ashes all over and through the trees, cov- ering the plums completely with ashes ; and go around every few days and give them an- other dose. If the rain washes it ofl:', I re- new the dose, and keep at it until my plums are ripe, when I am well paid for my trouble. I had last year eight bushels on seven small trees which I sold for thirty-two dollars. I have several trees of the Rheine Claud variety, upon which I did not use the ashes, because the plums were so scattered I thought it would not pay ; but there was one limb of those trees that was close to those I put the ashes on. It got its share of ashes, and that limb ripened up all its plums ; but not a plum was left on the other part of the tree or on any of the other trees of that variety. This was conclu- sive evidence to me that it was the ashes that saved my plums. When I first commenced the ashes, my brother told me that I would not succeed. That he made sure of saving his plums by placing a sheet under his trees and catching them on the sheet and killing them. But when plums were ripe I had plenty and he had none. — Worrall, in Ohio Farmer. ^ EXPLOSIVE DUST. The American Miller, in a recent discussion of the causes of flour mill explosions, remarks : "Not only is there no essential difference in the explosive character of different kinds of flour dust, but other substances, equally as harmless in themselves as flour, become explo- sive when diffused in a cloud. Witness the destruction of the candy factory on Barclay street, in New York city, by an explosion and fire that took place last December. Any in- flammable substance contains within itself the requisite materials for an explosion if the cir- cumstances are favorable. Fine particles of cotton, wool, or any other similar material, if floating in the air in sufficient quantities to ignite quickly on the application of heat, are all explosive or rather supply the conditions for an explosion. If any solid inflammable substance be reduced to powder and diffused through the air in such a manner that each particle has sufficient oxygen to enable it to burn under the most favorable circumstances, the application of heat will cause an explosion more or less violent. If the dust is diffused through an atmosphere confined within re- straining limits, the explosion may be quite as terrific, proportionately, as that vvhich-destroy- ed the Washbm-n milt Richards lias the fol- lowing in one of his works : ' The inflamma- ble and explosive nature of wood dust is not generally known, but few being aware that it is a fulminate, like gunpowder. Any dust of cumbustible material, even that of cast iron, when floating or thickly distributed in the air, explodes or burns up with great force. To prove this, let any one hold a candle beneath a girder or beam in a wood shop, and sweep oft' the fine dust from its top so as to fall on the light, and they will be convinced of its ex- plosive nature.' " In directing attention to the subject of ex- plosions, the North Western Liiraberman, of Chicago, speaks as follows : " Wherever there are liable to be accumulations of fine dust there is danger of an explosion ; and it must be admitted that in wood-woiking factories, and particularly those converting dry material, it is rare indeed that dust is not to be found in abundance. It is true there have been but few if any tires in wood-working factories traced directly to this cause ; but it will not do to argue from this that none have occurred. A large proportion of the fires in planing mills, and similar institutions, are of unknown or accidental origin, and it is far from unrea- sonable to suppose that many of them would be found, if it were possible to investigate the matter, to have been the result of explosions of this character. There are many ways in which the necessary combination ot dust and air might be effecte'd, and the fire to ignite it supplied, while the chances of discovering just how it was done after the mill is destroyed are very small indeed." We quote the above opinions to show that an explosive character is not peculiar to flour dust, but common to all substances which have an inflammable nature. It is well to re- member this fact when alarmists are attempt- ing to show that flour mills are little better than powder mills, so far as safety is concern- ed. It is doubtless true that New Process milling, by making finer and drier flour, and making a greater number of separations, may materially assist in bringing about explosions ; but the conditions may exist quite as well in any mill where dust and air are mingled in certain proportions in a confined atmosphere. — ■- ^ WINDMILLS ON THE FARM. Hon. Lewis F. Allen writes to the Country Oentlenum a very interesting account of the use of windmills on Grand Island, for the purpose of raising water for farm purposes. After describing the topography of the island. Mr. Allen says of windmills : " These have been so perfected within the past few years, and of various kinds, that it is not worth while to specify any one as superior to another. They are made all over our northern and western States, widely ad- vertised in the papers, and each one who has them can best judge of their working quali- ties. I only name tliem in a general way, and speak alone of my own trial of one of them. "Although accommodated by access to the river, with water for all my household build- ings, as well as stock purposes at the barns and stables, my convenience for all were not satisfactory. So, two years ago, I sank three diflerent wells — one at the main barn, where the principal stock is kept, another at the farm house, convenient to the horse barn, and still another at a dwelling half a mile from the latter, all near the river shore. These wells were severally .52 feet at the farm barn, 42 feet at the farm house and 20 feet at tlie dwelling above named, all yielding pure, good water, touching only the surface of the rock at the bottom, where abundance of water was found. I should also add that a foot or two from the surface of the ground a hard red clay was penetrated until within a foot or two of the rock, when a layer of gravel and sand was reached, and on the surface of the rock a stream of water flowed, which formed the supply. All these wells were bored and socket pipe tiles inserted, as above stated, and into each one was inserted a good iron pump, with about one and a quarter inches delivery, pro- ducing a suflicient stream to fill a common bucket in a minute's operation. I ought to say that in each one of the wells the water has a standing level within ten feet of the sur- face. So the wells stood, and now stand, sufficient for all practical uses. " But finding too much hard labor neces- sary to pump water for forty or fifty head of cattle aud horses at the main farm barn, I last fall had erected a windmill over the pump in the barn yard. It is 40 feet high, with a revolver 12 feet in diameter, costing about $150 complete and in working erder. The revolvers are usually only 10 feet in diameter for farm use; but wishing to be perfectly sure in supply of water I chose the large size, and at some $2.5 more expense than the other. It has thus far worked to a charm, pumping all that the stock have needed, and working but a few hours, more or less, as the wmd may serve, during the day. A tank or trough, 16 feet long, 16 inches wide at the bottom, and flaring two inches wider at the top, and 16 inches deep, securely tongue-grooved and iron-bolted, placed near tlie pump, where the cattle can drink at will, makes all the accom- modations complete, and infinitely better than to drive them to the river sixty rods away, particularly in winter, when its shores are frozen (the river never freezes only along the shores a few rods out), and ice has to be cut away for access to the water, but in the ex- pense of manual labor, and convenience and comfort to the cattle. REMEDY FOR THE HESSIAN FLY IN \A^HEAT. The farmer who recommends this remedy is a Virginian, and he writes to a local paper as follows : "I hear there is much 'fly' in the wheat that was sown early this fall. To correct this evil I offer the following remedy, which I and others have successfully tested for a good many seasons. Sow of air-slaked, or water- slaked lime, one or two bushels per acre broadcast over the wheat in the early morning on the dew, or over night on a clear evening, when there is reason to expect dew or frost. As it dissolves it will form a lye, which will follow the leaf towards the root and destroy the chrysalis of the fly near that point. "The sower must always sow with the wind, else the lime will be blown back into his face and eyes and on his clothes. And he must grease his hands, face and nostrils with lard, which renders contact with lime innocu- ous. If two or more sow, they should sow en- echelon, at such a distance that the rear shall casL no lime ou the front. A very good, but not indispensable, plan is to use tea scoops- diminutive sugar scoops — that will hold a double handful. It enables one better to take up and measure the quantity to be applied. This is an application so simple and cheap as to discredit it with many who are often look- ing to be told 'some great thing. ' I can only isay that I know it to be effectual as a remedy and that in no case can it do harm." A WINGED HOST OF SENNECHARIB. Two fly traps stand on the bar of the Cen- tral hotel, opposite the Desbrosses street ferry. The traps are the shape of coffee pots. The meshes are of wire, and the whole thing resembles the cage used at the dog pound. A little beer is poured upon the bottom of the traps. The flies enter from the counter through little gateways, fill themselves with beer, and pass up into the trap through a round hole something like tlie entrance to the sugar-loafed mouse trap. Once through the hole they leave hope behind, for they never j know enough to retrace their steps. The I traps are plunged in the water three times a day, and the prisoners drowned. Wishing to ascertain the number drowned, Capt. Water- man, one of the proprietors of the hotel, yes- terday asked the barkeeper to count them. The dead flies were dumped on the counter, and the barkeeper counted until his head ached, when the job was turned over to Gen- eral William Turner, a Fifth ward mathema- j tician. After counting until his head swaai^ , 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. d57 tlie General used a pony Inanely glass as a measure. It held 350 dead tlics. Tliere were seventeen and a half <;lasses of Hies to each trap, and nearly thirty-six glasses between the two. This gave a total of 12,250 flies. As the traps are emptied thrice a day, Capt. Waterman must kill 30,750 every twen- ty-i'our hours. If yesterday was an average day for Hies, and he thinks it was, he has slaughtered 514,450 within two weeks, and there have been 1,004,750 executions since the 1st of .Inly. There are 1S4 hotels in this city. If each proprietor is as remorseless as Capt. Water- man, 0,701,000 Hies bite tlie dust between sunrise and sunrise. If this is so, m('),001),000 of these innocent insects have been sw«i)t from existence by New York landlords since the first of the mouth. But the Hies seem to have a peculiar penchant for restaurants. If 30,750 a day are killed in a barroom, at least double that number ought to be killed in a restaurant. There arc nearly 2,000 restaur- ants in the city, and the good Dr. (Jrosby sets the metropolis down for 8,000 liquor saloons. Each li(|uor saloon ought to return figures equal to those of Capt. Waterman. A table like the following would be somewhere near the truth. : UoUBes. No. flies killed. Hotels r>,761,000 Restuurauts 147,llQ(l,eoil Liquor Silloeus 294,UO0,00O Privii(» Uosideuces 50.0110,000 Butcher Shops 7,oiio,iiOD aroccries 300,000,» (0 Markets 10,000,000 Candy Shells 3,000,000 Drug Stores 3,000,000 ■Tribune Office 1,000,000 Total 821,761,000 *A moderate estimate, considering the condition of that jourual. These figures arc believed to be under rather than over the number of flies actually trapped and executed in this city every day. They give the startling total of 23,747,009,000 drowned since July 1st. Futbermoie. Twelve of Captain Water- man's pony brandy glasses hold a half pint of flies. He murders four pints and a half every day. Carry out the figures on this basis, and we have the following astonishing result: Places Pints of Flies. Hotels 826 Restaurants 1 8,000 Livqor Saloons 36,000 Private Residences 7,452 Butcher Shops 928 Mirkets 1,100 Candy Shops 400 Drug Stores 400 ■Tribune Oflice 100 Total 65,208 *A moderate estimate, considering the condition of that jourual. The result is still more startling. If the figures are correct 1,879,432 pints of flies have been slaughtered by these traps since the be- ginning of the hot weather. Analyze the pints, and we have 9.30,310 quarts, or 23,424 gallons, enough dead flies to sink one of Com- missioner Nichol's oflal boats. All this is ex- clusive of those that lost their lives by acci- dents. At least 1,000,000 are drowned in milk, tea, and coflee ; another 1,000,000 are whipped to death by the tails of mules and horses ; many are talked to death, and a far greater number are poisoned by sampling Fourth ward whisky. Nor is this all. Of the 821,761,000 (more or less) daily sent to a better or far worse world it is estimated that 60,000,000 are pie eaters, 100,000,000 sugar tasters, .-)00,00(),000 partici- pators in free lunches, 100,000,000 molasses samplers. 200,000,000 meat and fi.sh destroy- ers, 19,242 politicians, 100,000,000 dock bum- mers, and the remainder of various profes- sions. At all events, if this is a tnily great and good world, the above figures ought to rest heavily on the consciences of all the makers of fly traps. — JT. Y. Sim. StrBSCRiBEK, please consult the little label on your paper, and if you find yourself in the arrears remit at once, as the printer wants money to pay his bills. VERIFIABLE INCIDENTS IN CROW- NOLOQY. Among all the Pnx^nr.-i, probably there is no species which exl]il)its so much craft or memory as our common crow. Their cau- tious approach to corn fields (uuitainiugslrings lied to sticks anil various devices of the scare- crow order, their cniploynu-Mt of sOntinels while feeding, and their aili'oitness in evading pursuit, witli oilier cvidenc.es, certainly indi- cate considerable intelligence. When tamed, sniui! specimens manifest (iuit(! a shrewd faculty of aiiprehension. Among the many means resorleil to fur lessen- ing their number is that of shooting down the nests containing yuong, during their breeding season. Aliout two years ago a young friend of mine brought l.iack, all alive, from one ol'thesii ex- lieditions, tin-ce young inhabitants of a bom- barded nest. Dick, the one kept, has prov(^d to be very talkative, anil his inquisitiveness is perfectly comical when he has come upon something new to him. lie will look it all over very carefully, chattering and making the queerest of noises, until he has thoroughly satisfied his curiosity. After he became old enough to Hy, his primaries were kept clipped ; but afterwards, by an oversight, his wings grew out enough to enable him to Hy off to the woods, where he remained two days and then lit in a neighljor's orchard, and there kept up a continuous cawing. Finally the owner went out with his gun, saying, "I'll just let Mr. Crow have a little of the benefit of my yesterday's 'trap-shooting.' " The report of the gun frightened Dick nearly out of his wits ; he flew to tlu^ ground at the fanner's feet, entirely unhurt, but uttering the most frightful screams and flut- tering about in the greatest distress, until he was recognized as Dick, promptly captured and borne to his home, where he has since remained, with full-fledged wings, in perfect contentment. Dick understands farming enough to know that after a crop is planted it should be har- vested ; but he was a trifle too ready to har- vest some rare bulbs, which were set out in flower-plats, with the crow along as an ob- server. No viridescent blades were seen to shoot forth in the little parterre, nor was a single bulb to be found, until a month after- wards, when all were discovered snugly piled under some rubbish in a corner. He soon had the house plants fixed in the same way. His keepers, thinking they had broken him of his mischievousness, let the plants remain on the piazza ; Imt more than once in Dick's favorite working hours, just betore light, acrash of crockery and the crow's peculiar laugh and caw told them that a fa- vorite coleus or geranium was riddled to pieces. His performances when the cat is eating are sure to excite a laugh all around. He will strut up beside pussy and suddenly strike her with his talon, and then run off, making the queerest kind of a chuckle, seeming to invite the attention of all to his smartness. His treatment of two kittens, however, was even a trifle worse. He killed and devoured every morsel of them, except their skins, and these he buried under some chips in the corner of the wood-house. There he guards them by fighting when necessary and screeching when any one approaches the spot, as vigorously to- day as when he fir.st put them there. Once he killed a young turkey ; but being " caught in the act," the owner took him by the legs with one hand and whipiied his bead over the palm of the other, until Dick was in a demoralized condition, so that ever since his memory is excellent concerning the rightful " manage- ment of poultry." Not a dog dares touch him, except in play. A large Newfound- land and liimself have great fun in mutual frolics. This dog has a small tuft of while hairs at the end of his tail, and in this Dick has always been so greatly interested that he has picked them out, little by little, until but few remain. He will trip over an eight-quart pail of water left in his way. When he cannot reach the rim so as to take hold with his beak, he has been known to drag a wash-basin and tip it over close to the pail and stand on it. One afternoon he was about the piazza, where a lady was engaged in sewing. Dick watched her closely. Smui shti Went in to supper, lay- ing her lhiml)l(' on a chair. linmediately Dick grabbed it up in his beak and Hew into a neighboring tree, talkingaway at the greatest rate. Nothing would induce him to come down ; but a well-directed stii^k brought out one of his wide-mouthed shrieks, and down came the thimble. lie hugely enjoys a wash-off in a rain-storm, and in winter he has great sport, diving into th(^ snow, |ilowing inider it out of sight, like a mole, and uttering his liecnliar chalter and laughs of pleasure continually. The other night his owner, aroused by the most fright- ful screams in the wood-shed, rushed out there in a hurry, ex|ieeting to find Dick the prey of an owl ; but a careful " canva.ss" dis- closed nothing but the fact that his nest had fallen from its jierch. Without discussing the protection of birds or their benefits to man, it is certain that the crow's alert and suspicious nature, in its wild slate, is bi'neficial to the farmer. If he but stretches twine across h\f, corn field before a single blad(^ has appeared above ground, he will not be molested by this inconsi.slently-de- tested bird, which in no year destroys as much of his cro]) as that not-to-be-frightened species, the purple Crackle or common IJlack- bird. — JJe Vreait.c. PLEASURES IN FARMING. Ex-Senator Chandler had something wise to say about farming, as well as something significant about politics, when he addressed his neighbors at his farm in Michigan not long ago. He declared that farming was not only the oldest, but the most respectable oc- cupation known to man. "If I had a boy to- day," he exclaimed, " 1 would rather put him on an eighty-acre lot that had never had a ])lough or an axe njion it than place him in the best government oHice in the land I" Ag- ricultural papers will please copy the remark, and farmers' lads who are growing up dissat- isfied with country life, and who cannot over- come a restless desire to go to a city and enter a jirofession, will do well to remember it. "Make your home pleasant," continued the ex-Secretary, "make them so attractive that your sons and daughters will love their homes better than any other place on God's earth. !Makc this business of fiirming so agreeable that your sons will .see that it is the most healthful and profitable occupation in which they can engage. IJuild good houses and buy good implements. Don't, get an old cracked cook stove, but put in a good range. In fact, have every convenience that you can, so that your wives and daughters will deem it a i)leas- ure to perform their household work, ^n this way you can bring up your .sons and daughters on the farm, but when you make the home repulsive, you drive tbein into clerkships and otlier menial jiositions, when they ought to be (iod's anointed lordsof creation." These are lilain words, but they are crammed with hard sense. HUMMING-BIRDS. The humming-birds form one compact fam- ily, named Trochilida^ They are all small birds, the largest known being aliout the size of a swallow, while the smallest are minute creatures whose bodies are hardly larger than a humble-bee. Their distinguisliiiig features are excessively .short legs and feet, very long and pointed wings, a long and slender bill, and a long extensible tubular tongue ; and these characters are found combined in no other birds. The feet are exceedingly small and delicate, often beautifully tufted with down, and so short as to be hardly visible be- yond the plumage. The toes are placed as in most birds, three in front and one behind, and have very strong and .sharply-curved claws, and the feet serve probably to cling to their perch rather than to support the weight of th© 138 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ September, body. The wings are long and narrow, but strongly formed, and the first quill is the longest, a peculiarity found in hardly any other birds but a few of the swifts. The bill varies greatly in length, but is always long, slender and pointed, the upper mandible be- ing the widest and lapping over the lower at each side, thus affording complete protection to the delicate tongue, the perfect action of which is essential to the bird's existence. The humming-bird's tongue is very long, and is capable of being greatly extended beyond the beak and rapidly drawn back, by means of muscles which are attached to the hyoid or tongue bones, and bend round over the back and top of the head to the very forehead, just as in the woodpeckers. The two blades, or two laminte, of which the tongues of birds usually seem to be formed, are here greatly lengthened, broadened out, and each rolled up, so as to form a complete double tube, con- nected down the middle, and with the outer edges in contact, but not united. The ex- tremities of the tubes are, however, flat and fibrous. This tubular and retractile tongue enables the bird to suck up honey from the nectaries of flowers, and also to capture small insects ; but whether the latter pass down the tubes or afe entangled in the fibrous tips, and thus drawn back into the gullet, is not known. The only other birds with a similar tubular tongue are the sun-birds of the East, which, however, have no aflinity whatever with the humming-birds. For The Lancaster Fabmer. REVU OF AUGUST NUMBER. The Sparrow Nuisance. — Hu shal no when doctors disagre ? Won thing we do no, ie — that tha ate very nerly al tlie buds ofl' a plum tre which bor but won plum wher it mit hav brot haf a bushel, thus outdoing the litl Turk ten to won. We arin forther extermination. Ox Eye Daisy. — Som foks rais thes in larg quantities. Suppos tha dont cost as much as to go to florists to by flowers. Wei, every won to his fancy. Best Time to Soiv Wlieatand How to Prepare the Soil. — J. G. givs som gud hints on soing wheat, but he gets everything mixed up with the mun. Wonder if the Hessian fly mit not be bafled by working the ground and soing the wheat in the rising of the mun, so that the larva wud ascend the stock rusted of going dovni as usual. Random Thoughts. — A. B. K. alwas has somthing interesting. Tis a pity ther ar not mor such contributors to The Farmer. Strawberry Culture. — Everything from the pen of C. II. is worth re-reding. Mor practi- cal riters are fu and far betwen. He shud use his pen mor. Price of Flour. — The New Era pitches a brodsid into our millers, but if the Era calcu- lats rit tha can bar som criticisms. Suga»Beets. — We ar a litl slo geting into the sugar bisnes, but it is destined tobecom won of the grat interests of the Northern stats. Mark our prediction. The Agricultural and Horticultural, To- bacco-Growers', Linnwan and Bee-Keepers' Societies sem al tu find rum for the discusion of ther special interests. Hop tha ma al flurish. Condition of American Agriculture. — Webeter not promis the world to much. We ma som da ned al we can rase if we continue the skin- ing system on a stil largerscal than we du now. Interim- Fences. — We can no longer aford to continue midl fences, but the majority wil hav them whethertha can aford it or not. Where to Plant an Apjyle Orchard. — This is gud advice, but a majority of farmers plant behind the barn, just wher the old orchard stud, believing it to be a gud plac, becaus tlia used to liav plenty of appls. What foly 1 Orenoing Cliestnuts. — We believ strongly in the idea of the Qermantown Telegraph. To Cure Dogs of Killing Chickens. — Dogs that wil kil cliickens wil kil shep, and we hav a surer cur than that given in The Farmer. lusted of tying the chicken to the dog's neck, cut ofi" his tail clos behind his ers, and he wil be sur to let yur chickens alon. — Von Humholt. AGRICULTURAL JOURNALS — THEIR INFLUENCE AND VALUE.* It will be found, on examination, that most of the large products in husbandry are ob- tained by farmers who are accustomed to I'ead and think, and who are not only wise enougli to profit, by reading, but who select the best part of their material from books and papers devoted to their interest, and in which they find recorded the facts and the experience of successful men. That the real progress of agriculture is in this way greatly promoted by the influence of the press is no longer an open question, for although it is undoubtedly true that the pro- ducts of husbandry are directly and mainly tlie outcome of manual labor, yet the quality and amount of those products are largely de- termined by superiority of mental force, and by the kind of intelligence that comes from books and Journals. Let not the tillers of the soil, therefore, blindly imagine that physical development alone is sufficient to secure maximum crops, and a margin of profit. Let them bear in mind that a still higher pewer has its seat in the brain, from which physical development derives all its value ; that the silent energy of thought is quietly doing its work over ' the continent from week to week, and from j'ear to year, and that this free, earnest and unselfish thought, while continually achieving grand results, is also continually putting them on record for the benefit of all. Tims it is that while we discover on one hand a grand army of thoughtful workers, everywhere intent on developing new and original facts, and new fruits of experience, we may also find, in the background of the picture, another army of workers, who are also thinkers of the highest type — a countless array of vigorous and enterprising journals, always ready and eager to seize and appro- priate, to expound and improve these new and valuable results of practical farming, and then to scatter them broad-cast through tlie land to shed light in dark places, and pour new fer- tility into sterile soils. How is it possible, then, not to see that the pen as well as the plow, the type-setter as well as the planter, the editor at his desk not less than the proprietor of a thousand acres, are all instrumental in propelling this great industry of the country, and have jointly con- tributed to make our agriculture all that it now is. In confirmation of this view, there are many shrewd and practical men who have discovered in their own experience, and we do not hesi- tate to emphasize the fact, that the best in- vestment they have yet made in their business is the money paid for agricultural papers, and who also make it a point to read them care- fully, and to write for them often. These are the men who win the surest prizes of hus- bandry, whose success proves that farming can be made to pay, not only in the broadest and highest sense of the word, but also in its money aspect, and whose example kindles the faith, and animates the zeal of other farmers even in remote and unfavored sections. So clearly and )ialpably have the journals of this class demonstrated their value, that it is often possible in passing through a rural dis- trict to discover by unmistakable signs the farms at which such papers are taken, and where they liavc found a welcome home ; and it is easy to see tliat in the presence of these slieets of u.seful knowledge, the whole aspect of the farm is changed, and all the results improved. Manures and fertilizers are more efficient, as well as more abundant ; the latest and best methods are adopted ; a new impulse is given to vegetation ; the very roots of the crop strike deeper, and spread wider than before, and even the meadows assume a brighter shade of green, and the cereal grains a deeper tin^e of gold. And, finally, as a crowning evidence of what is here claimed for the influence of the press, along with this new "A paper read at the American Institute Farmers' Club by Conrad Wilson. vigor of vegetation and more abundant yield, we find also a reduction of cost that is even more important than all the rest. It would be easy to refer by name, if it were not invidious, to a score of such papers, in either of which a single number could be pointed out, which for intrinsic value is worth, to a shrewd farmer, the subscription of a life- time. Even single passages could be referred to iu various journals, in which the facts com- pressed in a few lines are worth more to an in- telligent, practical man than a ton of guano, or an acre of land ; for the acre of land is con- fined to one unchanging spot, and the ton of guano admits of only one application. But the great facts of experience in farming are not bounded by an acre, and do not expire in one application. On the contrary, they are developed by use, and grow by repetition. They spread and multiply from fiirm to farm, and from year to year, until a continent is made richer by them, and posterity hails them as a treasure. Now, farmers, this is not a long sermon, but it has a moral and a purpose, and the meaning for each individual is this: If you are not already a subscribev to an agricultural paper, lose no time in securing the benefit of such a journal, for you are certainly losing every year fiir more than the cost, and sooner or later you will find this out. If you are already taking one or more such papers, don't be satisfied till you make the number three or four. Depend upon it, farmers are too gener- ally under a mistake on this subject, and it is time to take up a new departure. The timidity shown by many in applying a sum so limited as two or three dollars to obtain the priceless knowledge, on which de- pends tlie whole value and final profit of their business, is more than surprising. Tlie trifling sums, often lavished without a thought on objects comparatively of little or no value, if applied to such a purpose as this would be sufiicient to supply a variety of journals and vaiuable books that would at ouce create a new atmosphere of thought in the house, and, while thus rounding out the education of the fomily, would also enlarge the yield and the profit of harvests to come. This is no mere picture of imagination, for I have more than once seen the proofs of it, and have heard the admission made by prac- tical men. Does it not then, farmers, clearly devolve on you to encourage and sustain the generous eflbrts of a press that is everywhere working in your interest, and lighting up your future with the experience of the past ? I know that many of you so regard it. But what shall we say to those who excuse themselves by finding fault with the defects of the press, and who allege that among so many imperfections they do not know wliat paper to take ? To all such let me frankly say that this is not a reason, but simply an evasion. You do not expect perfection in anything human ; then why exact it in the case of a farmer's journal ? If you could really find an ideal journal, absolutely faultless and perfect, it would be cheap at $10 a year, while the present range of prices is from one dollar to $2.50, and it is safe to say that, taking them as we now find them, there is hardly one in the whole number tliat is not worth many times its cost, if rightly used. The mere fact that a paper of this class is not perfect is the last reason in the world for neglecting it. If you have discovered the defects of your local paper, you are the very man to help improve it, by taking hold of it with a will. If you will order it at once, paying for a year iu advance, you will be sure to read it, and after reading a few numbers you will find time occasionally to write for it. But don't be afraid to criticise and make sug- gestions. And, above all, send in new facts, giving your own experience and that of your neighbors. In this way your example will kindle a contagion throughout your town and county, and you will have the satisfaction of improving your local paper, and extending its circulation, while largely increasing the 1878.1 THE LANCASTER FARMER. i39 sources of pleasure in your family, and the sources of profit on your farm. Let us now see, in conclusion, what would be the broad national result if a new and de- cided impulse could be given to the circulation of these journals. It is not, of course, easy to say with accuracy what is the present sum total of subscribers to such papers, including, as they do, a considerable list of weekly edi- tions of daily papers, which give ample space as well as liberal effort and outlay to this great and growing industry. Probably the nearest estimate now attainable would make the entire circulation of the agricultural press from one and a half to two million subscribers. The next census will probably show that the number of proprietary farmers is not far from seven millions, and the entire farming popu- lation from twenty to twenty-five millions. But if we assume the present total circulation even at two millions, this still shows a vast and dreary domain lacking the priceless knowledge which a well conducted press is fitted to impart. Now suppose it were possible before the close of the present decade to double the cir- culation of the agricultural press. Who does not sec that the new flood of light thus sup- plied would be an unspeakable benediction to a countless host of toilers, who sadly need such an illumination, which would not only impress on them a change of character, but would immensely increase the product of their farms. But is it possible thus to double this circulation ? Probably not in so brief a period. But one thing is certain : If the right means are used, there is a possible increase for these periodicals not far short of the ratio here stated, and the prize is certainly worth the effort, not only of every farmer but of every journal in the country. The means for gain- ing this end include various conditions, but must be left for future discussion. It would be easy to show that if the sug- gestions of Mr. Dodge were carried out, for doubling the total product of our farms, or if even one-half that increase were attained, the result would be sufficient to support the popu- lation of the globe for an entire year. It will be an immense stride in this direction when- ever the farmers of the country shall rally to sustain the press, which is the very life blood of their prosperity, and give to its circulation such an increase as its importance demands. EVERGREENS AND BIRDS. Few persons who are not in position to no- tice it, are aware of wliat an interesting har- bor for a great many varieties of birds, is a cluster of evergreens near a house. They are objects of interest for several reasons, and are frequented by birds at one time of the year for one purpose, and at another time for an- other ; so that they are visited at all times by a number of diffeient birds. In the winter the thick green boughs of balsam fir, Norway spruce and pines, afford an excellent shelter to such birds as stay with us during that in- clement season. Among these are the com- mon sparrow, song sparrow, ground and tree clappers, snowbirds, and sometimes the lesser red-poleof the far North, will, during extreme cold, visit us as far south as the northern part of New Jer.sey, and eat the seeds from the cone of such trees. During the breeding sea- son, most birds that build a banging or bag nest, besides many others, visit those trees to get the gum for sticking the threads of their houses together. While thus engaged gather- ing the gum, they are so busy that they allow no one to approach very close to them. The trees are also a great resort for birds that make their domicile in the branches, particu- larly robins and cat-birds. Such trees are kept clear from insects, and afford a fine shade in summer and are very beautiful also in snowy weather, aflbrding a pleasing contrast in color to the pure white snow. A cluster of them near a farm-house or rural home, affords much interest to the fiimily, and to those who »re fond of bird life. — Eural JVew Yorker. OUR LOCAI. ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural and Horticultural Society. The regular montlily mectluK of the enciety wiis hclod as here at home. The Coealieo valley average, a little over 2.5 bushels of wheat to the acre. Corn is scarcely much more than half a crop. Some, however, is belter than it looks. In a trip of thirty miles he saw but two good fields of corn. Grass is well set, clover particularly so ; clover Isgrowlnir short. If we have rain soon there will be no lack of pasture. Potatoes are a short crop, hardly averaging a half crop. Clover seed is reported as yielding a full crop. On the farm of Hon. Thos. E. Franklin he had counted 85 stacks of grain. S. R. Hess, of Ephr.Ua, said fruit was doing better than for years. The Gravenstein and the Jeffries are doing uncommonly well. The Smokehouse are showing to excellent advantage ; so are the Winesap. Peaches of the early varieties were a comparative failure. Old MIxon and Mountain Kose take the lead tliis year. The wasps have been very destruc- tive. The grapes are doing tolerably well ; the fruit is mostly small. Henry Kurtz said a Mr. Snyder raised 38 bushels of wheat to the acre on his farm, the acreage being considerable. The President remarked, while some members re- ported average cropB, others selecled the very best lots that came to their notice. It would be well to bear this In mind ; unless this is done misundcrstancl- InL'B may occur. Daniel Snieych, of the city, called attention to a good grape crop. The bees, however, are literally eating them up ; tliey have earrleil ofl" three bushels wfthin ten days for him. lb; is the only person who rej)orteti harm from the bees. Levi W. Grolt said that lie never licllevcd the bees hurt grajjcs until yesterday, when they did a full day's work. .s. S. Uathvon observed bees to-day for the first time on his vines; they did no damage, however. What, they may do hsreafter he does not know. Dur- ing the week he saw bees working at the leaves of the Osage orange, which they bruised considerably. Reading ol Essays. Levi S. Rcist, of Oregon, read an essay on the use of lime. The proper use of lime is not fully under- stood. It may be burned Iniprojierly and slaked badly. Some limestone makes belter lime than olliers. He referred to the Porters of this elty, who were among the first users of lime In this vicinity. Some contend manure anlf with- out lime as with It. The Romans used It until their lands became unproductive. Barnyard manure must, after all, be our final resort'. We know, that to bo effective. We may also plow under clover and thus renew our soils. Our fields are now washed by rains, because the surface soil has been made so loose that rains and winds operate ob them and carry off the fine dusty portions. Henry Kurtz was surprised at the contents of the essay. It advocated a backward move In agriculture. The Pequea lime is a pure one, but not strong. Where land Is not limed you can raise nothing. Land washes more now because it Is turned up oftener. So far as grass Is concerned as a manurlal agent, of course that is good, but you must have lime to pro- duce grass first. Lime Is our great ally in growing crops. Jacob Bollinger remarked, some fancy farmers have no faith in lime, but his experience was that lime does pay. Last year he burned seven thousand bushels of lime, and during the past six years he has burned, for his own exclusive use, twenty-five thous- and bushels of lime, and he believed it has paid him. He criticised the .address of Prof. Ileiges for some of his views on the lime question, and also about ship- ping too much of our grain out of the county. But there are thousands of bushels of corn aii(l wheat brought into this county and used here. The farmers of Lancaster county are not so stupid as to have used lime for a century without discovering that it has benefited their farms. Ephralm S. Hoover agreed with the last speaker. He would be very sorry if all his jiast labor in liming has been In vain. Before we go to liming we ought to know what kind of soil we have. On a worn- down, bound-up farm, lime is the best of all fertil- izers ; it loosens that soil and puts it In a condition to grow crops. But when the soil is once loosened and becomes productive it would, perhaps, be belter to use barnyard manure. As the same medicine is not good for all diseases, so, too, lime has not the same eflect in all cases. Joseph F. Winner thought the members had mis- understooil Prof. Ileises ; he said it was a fertilizer, but not a manure. That a small quantity of lime was suflieient to supply the cereals ; that it prepared vegetable mailer so that plants could take it up and feed on it. lie knew of a farm often manured, but on wliieli liirlit er C. A. Ileinitsh. Papers Read. S. S. Rathvon, a descriptive catalogue of the dona- tions, No. .5(10. Mrs. Zell read extractsof a botanical work by R. Bradly, Professor at Cambridge Uuivar- sity,1727, to show tlie advance of the science, No. 501. Miscellaneous. Rev. Dr. Burnham was proposed and unanimously elected a corresponding member. The chairman of the committee on removal report- ed that the billsof lumber, glass, i)aint and carpenter work on the extension and addition of cases and other incidental expenses amounted to §233.(1.5. Scmie is yet to collect, which, when paid in, will nearly liqui- date the- same. On motion, a eonimittee was appointed to label the various subjects in the museum. The president appointed the Ibllowing members : S. S. Rathvon, J. Stautfer, J. B. Kcvinski, Rev. Mr. Dubbs, Dr. Baker, W. L. Gill ; and by acclamation the president. Rev. J. S. Stahr, was added. The labeling to be attended to as soon as possible, to put the museum in condi- tion for the public. After some comments and interchange of views on the various topics of seientiflc miscellany, the meet- ing adjourned to Saturday, September 28, 1878, AGRICULTURAL. The Pennsylvania Crops. Thomas J. Edge, Secretary Pi'nnsylvania Board of Agriculture, makes the following report for tho month of July. From the average July returns of 300 olllcial rcjiorts of this board, it would seem that our crops for 187K may be estimated as follows, an average crop being rated at 100 : Wheat, - - 122 Apples, - - 47 Rye, - - - - 100 Peaches, 4a Barley, - . 93 Pears, - 54 Oats, - - 114 Cherries, - 58 Hay, - - - 108 Plums, - - 51 Straw, - Ill (i rapes, - 64 Garden products, 98 Berries, - - 91 The average of each crop, as compared with that of the same crop of 1S77, the latter taken at 100, is as follows : Wheat, Rye, - Barley, Oats, - 117 107 95 103 Hay, - Corn, Potatoes, 98 111 100 The average crop of 1878, as compared with tho average of the past ten years, is as follows : Wheat, - - - 117 Hay, - - . 110 Rye, - - - KHiCorn, - - - 110 Barley, - - - 104 Potatoes, - - 109 Oats, - - - 107l The average wheat crop of the State being about 1.5,7.50,000 bushels, we nia.y place that of 1878 at 18,760,00(1, with chanees in favor of a decrease to 1S,.500,0(IO under the flnal test of the half bushel. The increased acreage, when compared with that of the past ten years, is largely due to the fact that in the oil and lumber eoiiiilics the Btagiiatinn of busi- ness has Ibreed men into agricultural pursuits. Thus, in comparison with the jiast ten years, Warren re- ports double the area in with wheat ; Potter reports two and one-half the average area of the past ten years, and Cameron one and three-quarter times. Seeding for Pasture. New pastures may be produced most speedily by preparing the ground as early as practicable in spring (by ploughing, harrowing, etc.,) so as to give a fine, smooth, mellow surface to the soil, and then sow the grass seed aloni^, or without the intervention of any grain crop. If the soil is rich, ami the grass gets an early start, it will make a go(.d growth early in summer but it may not be advisable to turn in animals on the young jilants before mid-summer, and then only when the ground is hard and dry. Clover and timothy may be sown together, or clover iind orchard grass, except in such localities as orchard grass does not succeed well in. This grass must be kept grazed rather short or it will become hard and unpalatable, and is objected to on this account by some good I'armers who wish to allow their pastures to m.ake a licavy growth. If it is intended to allow the pasture to remain several years, and the soil is rich with a good deal of vegetable matter, a portion of Kentucky blue grass may be mixed with the grass seed. In order to secure a good dense pasture, sow three or four times as much seed as is done in common practice. British Exports to the United States. A statement showing the exports of tlK- jirineipal articles of British and Irish i)roduets and manufac- tures from the United Kingdom to the I'liited States for the seven months ending July 31, ls78, as com- pared with the corresponding period of 1877, has been prepared at the Bureau of Statistics. The de- crease in some of the articles is quite noticeable as favorable to the industries of this country. For in- stance, cotton piece goods liave decreased from 42,- 25V? ,:Mi3 The l.iirfiesi n ltd iinixl <il 'I'rrr-* ill Hii- I'. >j I'l'il-i-il CiiliiliiuiKM r-iill lln lollown: Nu. 1, !■ rullB, Willi ciiloMil nliitf (11. w eilltlohl, 16 ctn. : (l nlu, 10 'ti. Nu. a, OniauKiital Triis. etc, with plute, a.5 cl«. j plain. l.^i-». N". ;j, :iic. ami N'u. .l, riiliiUi.;ur c.i k.im',. I''rce. AdilrcoH - ELLWANGER & BARRY. Rochester, n.y.- n ^T ^\ Any worker can iiiake$l'2 a day at home. Costly uUljjJ Outfit free. AddrcBS TuuE & Co., Augusta, Me. lO-'J-ly* EDW. J. ZAHM, DEALUR IN AMERICAN AND FOREIGN WATCHES, SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE. CLOCKS, JEWELRY! TABLE CUTLERY. Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted SPECTACLES. Repairing strictly attended to. ITortli Queen-st. and Centre Square, Lancaster, Fa. 9-4-ly $66 a week in your own town. Terms and $5 outfit free. Address H. Hallett h Co., Portland, Maine. 10-2-ly* A NEW BOOK. -1 r\ pictures of actresses and singers sent for 10 cents. ^^^ National Monthty, Washington, D. C. J. STAUFFER, LANCASTER, tENN'A. 235 EAST ORANGE ST. All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CANA- DIAN PATENTS, TRADE MARKS, and COPYRIGHTS. promptly attended to. His experience, success and faithful atention to the interests of those who engage his servicea are fully acknowledged and appreciated. Preliminary examinations made for him by a reliable As sistant at Washington, without extra charge for drawing or description. t9-l-tf Hov/ to Raise FRUITS. A HAND-BOOK OF FRUIT CULTURE, BEING A GUIDE TO THE PBOFER Calttvation and Management of Fruit TreeSy and of Grapes and Small Fruits, with condensed descriptions of many of the best and most popular varieties, with upwards of one hundred engravings. By Tbomas Gregg. Price f 1.00. A book wTjich should be owned by every pereon who owns a rod of available laud, and it will serve to secure success where now there is nothing but failure. It covers the ground fully, without techniciilities, aud is a work on Fruit Culture for tho Million. It tells of the cost, how to plant, how to trim, how to transplant, location, soil, selection, diseases, insects, borers, blights, cultivation, how to prune, manuring, layering, budding, grafting, etc., including fxill description and man- agement of Orchard Fruit, such as Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, Nectarines, etc. It is a most complete Guide to Small-Fruit Culture. with many illuBtrations and descriptions of the latest vari- eties of Grapes, Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, Gooseberries, Cui rants, etc. The work shows the value of Fruit, and how to use it. Sent by mail, post-paid, price $1 ; or The Farmer and How to raise Fruits, will be furnished at $1,76. Address r, RATHVOV. 22 South ~a-3m] P. O. Box 23S, Roche«ter, N. T. 1760. ESTABLIS5ED 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO., 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE BUILDING HAEDWARE, PAINTS, OILS, PVMPS, TERRA com, IRON aiLEAB PIPE, LEATHER BELTING, SEEDS, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. Agents Tor the " Ohio " Reaper and Mo^wer, Whann's Phosphate, Falrbank's Scales, Dupont's Po"wder, Harrisburg Nails, &c., &c. We have the largest stock of general Hardware in the State, and our prices are as low and terms as liberal as can be found elsewhere. 9-1-tf. GOOD BOOKS Foil THE Farm, Garden, and Household. The following is a list of Valuable Books, which will be supplied by the Editor of the I,ancaster Farmer, No. 101 North Queen St. Any one or more of these books will be sent post paid to any of our readers on receipt of the regular price which is named against laach book. Allen's (R. L. & L. F,] New American Farm Book $2 50 Allen's (L. F.) American Cuttle.* 2 50 Atwood's Country aud Suburban HouHes 150 Boramer's method of Making Slanuros 25 Breck's New Book of Flowers 1 75 Brill's Farm-Gardeuing and Seed-Growing 100 Dadd's Modern Horse Doctor, ]2iuo ••••. I W Dadd's American Cattle Doctor, la Uio 1 50 Flax Culture, (Seven Prize Essays by i»ractical growers,) 30 Fuller's Grape Culturist 160 Fuller's Small Fruit Culturist 1 6d Fulton's Peach Culture 1 60 Gregory on Hleheatl, Mass. ART OF PROPAGATION. A consise practical work on the rapid increase and mul- tiplication of stock — amply illustrated. Price pre-paid by mail PUBLISHED BY 50 cents. Winona, Coliunbiana Co., Ohio.' SEND FOB IT, AND FOR FREE CATALOGUE. By a special arrangement with the publishers, we offer the above work at 40 cts. per copy. It has received the fa- vorable notice of over 1000 leading papers of the country. Cash to be sent to this office. 9-10 L. RATHVON. Win be mailed FREE to~" »11 applicanta. It con-'* UiDS colored pUte, 500 engravla^,"' aboQt 150 pages, and full descripUona. firicea acd direcUons for planting over 1200 Tarietieo of Vegetable and Flower Seeds. Plants, Ro«eB, Et«. Addrasa fatraloabto to all. Send for It. D. M. FBKBY & CO., Detroit, Mich. @ No. 221 CHURCH STREET p. O. BOX, 1890 TUt^^^^Z'TUt^* 10-a-4m] " IMPORTERS, BREEDERS and SHIPPERS of THOROUGH-BRED LIVE STOCK. Jersey and Ayr- shire Cattle and Calves, of the richest butter and milk, stock. Southdown and Cotswold Sheep and Lamba unsurpassed. Premium Chester White Pigs, York- shire Pigs of best importations, (see cut herewith from life) Berkshire Pigs, (.sired by the famous Im- ^ ported Prize Boar, The Collier, and out of other im- ^^& ^ ported noted boars and sows), Essex and Poland- China Pig.s — all of the best Strains. Send for'elegant "■ new illustrated catalogue. High. Class Land <& "Water Fo"wls of all varieties. Fowls, Chicks and Eggs for hatching always for Sale at Low Prices, considering the high qual- ity, and reputation of our stock. Also Fancy Pigeons, Thorough-bred and Sportings Dogs. BXJRPEE'S NETAT C-A.XA.LOGXJE, and Breeder's Manual is just out! 2.5,000 copies will be mailed FREE to Farmers and Breed- ers sending us their addresses. It is brimfull, of reliable descriptions, numerous large and handsome cuts from life of our best animals and Fowls ; is elegantly printed on tinted paper, and is without doubt the handsomest free catalogue of stock ever issued. We wish every reader ofthe Lancaster Farmer would write foracopy. It will cost nothing. Address as above. ZOOIBS. R ADE MJ Price, $25 Per Ton, TRADE MARK. IliiiiillJIii leiifelle. The Philadelphia Poudrette is an active, energetic, natu- ral manure, is soluble (like barn-yard manure) without the- ' use of acids. It contains the soluble salts of plants, which have served as food. These elements are indispensable to- the development of cultivated crops, and in supplying these excrements to the soil, we return to it the constitu- ents which the crops have removed from it, and renew its capability of nourishing new crops. It is an invaluable manure for Tobaeco and other plants requiring an early, healthy start, and rapid growth, maturing them from ten ta fifteen days earlier. The increasing demand and uniform satisfaction it has given on all crops during the past three years prove it a reliable fertilizer. A profitable and high de- gree of culture requires a liberal supply of manure. Circulars with testimonial can be had attheofBceof The- l.aiicast«r Farmer, and at 101 North Queen St, for repairing your old Fanning Mills, Set of a, price 14.00. RIDDLES & SIEVES Remit Jl.Oli with order, ballance CO. D. by Express. When ordering send eize of old frame. We mail just rthe Wire- cloth upon the receipt of 75 cents each. We have special size for cleaning seed wheat. Address, E. TAYI-OR A- CO.. 10-7-1m ClevelaiMl. Ohio. STOP AND READ ALL FOEMS or Kidney and Urinary Diseases^ PaiDS in tlie Back, Sides and Loins, are positively cured by Grant's B.e«i©dy, its effects are truly mar-velous in Dropsy, Gravel, Bright's disease. Seminal losses, Leucorrhoea, and lost vigor, no matter of how long standing the case may be, possitive relief is had iufrom one to three days. Dojnot despair, beBi- f ate or doubt for it is really a speciHc and never fails. It is purely a vegetable preparation, by its timely use thousands of cases that have been considered incurable by the most eminent Physicians havo been permanently cured. It is also indorsed by the regular Physician and Medical Societies throughout the country. Sold in bottles at Two dollars each or three bottles, which is enough to dure the most aggravated case, sent to any address on receipt of Five dollars. Small trial bottles ONE dollar each. All orders to be addressed to Grant's Remedy Manufacturing Co., 554 SInin St., Worcester, Mass. 10-7-4m. ; HIRAM E. LUTZ, Manufacturer. 1136 MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA. XXXOX3: C3-DFLja.I>E: AND Thoroughbred Short-Horn Cattle; Bred and For Sale by the undersigned. OF THE BEST MILKING STRAINS, and at prices to suit the times. Herd open to i-ispection by strangers at all times (Sundays excepted.) I will be pleased to show my herd to visitors, and any information in regard to the cattle will cheerfully be given, by letter, as desired. 10-2-ly] A. M. RANK, Bird-in-Hand, Lancaster co., Pa. 1878 SPRING AND SUMMER. 1878 RATHVON & FISHER'S CHEAP CLOTHING STORE, Corner North Qneen and Orange Sts., LANCASTER, PA. Good all wool Business Suits from $12 to $20 Fine Cloth or Worsted Dress Suits, 15 to 20 Fine Cassimere Pants, - - 4 to 10 Fine Vests, - - - - - 3 to CUSTOM WORK A SPECIALTY,! and satisfaction guaranteed. READY MADE CLOTI^ING| And Furnishing Goods of all kinds, very cheap. Cottonades as low as $2.50 a suitfl Cloths, CassimereB, Worstings, Suitings, Coatings anttj Vestings in a full line, and made promptly to order. KATHVON & FISHEK, 1878 PEACTICAL TAILORS. XSVSl $1 I "ctl "^ the county. SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS To Bubflcribcrs ont of ) the county. f $1.00 Prof. S. S. EATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., OCTOBER 15, 1878. LINNSIUS RATHVON, PuWisher. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER, 14,5 145 145 146 146 146 146 147 An Appeal, ------ Acknowletl^ment, - _ - _ _ English Sparrows, - - - - - Derivation of Common Names, - - - The Sulky Plow, Reminder for October, - - - - Sugar from Cornstalks, - - - Amber Sugar Cane, - - - . HiDuesota'B Experience — An Industry Worth the Attention of LanciiBter County Farmers. A Snake in His Eye, ------ 147 Red Bietigheimer, ------ 148 Best Watch Made in America, - - - - 148 Uublueed European EndorBemeut of the Lancaster Watch. Scientific, ----- - - 148 How Plants Provide for the Future, - - - 148 Waterloo Peach, ------ 149 Black-Root and the Myriapods, - - - - 149 Cornstalks vs. Sorghum, - - - - 149 Answers to Correspondents, - . . - 150 European Shipments from Philadelphia, - 150 Chronological History of Tobacco, - - - 151 Around the Farm, No. 12 — Snralist, - - 151 Large Flowering Spurge — /. Ntauffcr, - - 151 Lime as a Fertilizer — J. B. Garter, - - 151 •Letter from Iowa— TV. //. «., - - - - 1.52 Random Thoughts, No. 5— A. B. K., - - 152 Wheat from India — Tea Raising— Our Government Against the Farmers — How Many tjeeds Grow. ParisXetter, - 153 The Comparative Exhaustive Power of the CereaU 154 The Wool Product of the World, - - - 155 OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural and Horticultural Society, - - - 1.55 Should Public Roails be Improved— Are County Fairs Beneficial to Farmers and Fruit Growers- New Business— Report of the Fruit Committee — Mr. Engle's Proposition. Tobacco Growers' Association, - . . 157 Crop Reports— Renting a Boom— Shall we Disband— Reading of Essays. Linnsean Society, ------ 158 Donations to the Library — Papers Read — Scientific Miscellany and Gossip. AGRICULTURAL. Storing Potatoes, - . - - - The Wagons, - Farm Items, .--..- HORTICULTURAL. How to Make a Lawn, - - - - Putting Away Winter Cabbage, - The CoSfee Tree In California, DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Household Receipts, - - - - LIVE STOCK. Acreage Required for a Cow, - - - The Management of Horses, Raising Colts, ------ The Guernsey Cattle, .... 158 1.5S 158 1.58 1.58 158 159 159 159 159 159 POULTRY. Hen Hints, ------ Care of Poultry, ------ Charcoal for Fowls, - - - - DAIRY. Dairy Products, ------ Packing Butter, ----- Bad Season for Dairy Farmer in Scotland, ENTOMOLOGICAL. The Hessian Fly in Wheat, - Literary and Personal, - - - 159 159 1.59 1(10 160 160 160 160 UXiPHECEDENTED lor Orapes, Seedlings, Evergreens, etc., etc. Send ior Catalogue. J. JENKINS, 10-9-*m] WINONA, Columbiana County, Ohio, TREES I FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL LARGE STOCK. LOW RATES. STANDARI* PEAR TREES A SPECIALTT. Send stamp for Trade List. AGENTS WANTED. E. MOODY A SOfiS, I^ockport, N. Y. NliOABA NuRsiEiES. Established 1839. 10.8-2ml WHEAT FREE .'i:imiiln free. ftWI wortli BLUOliKI) STOCK GIVEN 86 jireiiiiiiuiH. W. Atlee Bur- pee tCo., 2216111^05 St, Plul, Pa. New let prize AUSTRALIAN Wheat. Beet in the wnrlii. 1878 SPRING AND SUMMER. 1878 RATHVON & FISHER'S CHEAP CLOTHING STORE, Corner Sortli Queen ami Orange Sts., LANCASTER, PA, Good all wool Business Suits from $I2 to $2o Fine Cloth or Worsted Dress Suits, 15 to 20 Fine Cassimere Pants, - - 4 to 10 Fine Vests, - - - - -3 to 6 CUSTOM WORK A SPECIALTY, and .satisfartiiiM fxtiuranfced, READY MADE CLOTFjING And Furnishing Goods of al] kiode, very cheap. Cottonadps as low ae $2..')0 a suit. Cloths, Cassimeree, WorBtings, Sultiugs, Coatjuge and Vestings in a full Hue, and made promptly to order. RATHVON & FISHER, 1878 PRACTICAL TAILORS. 1878 THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN. A MONTHLY JOURNAL, DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI- CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND MISCELLANY. PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY Made a prominent feature^ with siiecial reference to the wants of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit -Grower, Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Edited I7 Prof. S. S. RATHVOIT. The Fabmeb will be published on the 15th of every month, printed on good paper with clear type, In con- venient form for reading and binding, and mailed to sub- Bcril>ers on ihe following TERMS: To 8v:b9cribers reeidiug within the county — One Copy, one year, -----. $1.00 Six Copies, one year, - - - . . . 5.00 Ten Copies, one year. ------- 7.50 To BubBcribers ontoide of LancaBter county, including postage pre-paid by the publishers: One Copy, one year, - - - - . . $1.35 Five Copies, one year, - - . . . . 5.00 All subscriptions will commence with the January num- ber unless otherwise ordered. All commuuicatious intended for pnblication should be addressed to the Editor, aud, to secure insertion, should b© in his hands by the first of the month of pnblication. All business letters, contaiuiug subscriptions and adver- tisi-meuts. should be addressed to the publisher. The Lancastbu Farmer having completed its ninth year under various vicisiiitudcfl, now commences its tenth volume u'lder, it is hoped, more favorable auspices than attended its former volumes. When the publisher of the last two volumes assumed the respousibilities of its i»ubli- catiou, it was with a determination to make such improTe- nients as would place the fanner's organ of this great agri- cultural county in the very front rank of agricultural Jour- nalism. That this has been accomplished we think our readers will bear cheerful testimony. If reasouhbly sus- tained, our aim is to make It still more interesting and in- structive under te new proprietorship. In this, however^ we need the co-operation of every friend of the euterpriBe, The contributions of our able editor. Prof. Rathvon, on Bubjccts connected with the science of farming, and i)artio- ularly that specialty of which he is bo thorouKhly a master — entomological scieuce— some knowledge of which has become a uece«8ity to the succertsful farmer, are alone worth much more than the price of this publication. LINNvEUS RATHVON, 9 North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa. RATE.S OF ADVERTIKIXG— Ten CfnUi a line Tor eacb Insertion. Twelve lines to the tBch II. THE LANCASTER FARMER. PENNSYI.VAXIA RAILROAD Trains leave the Depot in this city, WE TWARD. Pacific Express" Way Passengert Niagara Express Col. Accomiuodatiou Mail train via Mt. Joy No. 2 via Columbia Sunday Mail Fast Line". Frederick Accommodation. Harrisburg Accom Columbia Accommodation.. Harrisburg Express Pittsburg Express Cincinnati Express" SCHEDULE. as follows : Leave Arrive Lancaster. Harrisburg. ■i:40 a. m. 4:05 a. m. 4:50 a. ni. 7:50 a. m. 9.35 a. m. 111:40 a. m. 7:'20 p. m. Col. 8:00 p. m 11:20 a. m. 1:00 p. m. 11:20 a. m. 1:25 p. m. ll:2Qa. m. 1:30 p. m. 2:10p. m. 3:25 p. m. 2:15p. m. Col. 2:15 p. m 6:00 p. m. 8:10 p. m. 7:20 p. m. Col. 8:00 p. m. 7:25 p. m. 8:40 p. m. 9:25 p.m. 10:50 p. m. 11:30 p.m. 12:45 a. m. Lancaster. Philadelphia. 12:.S0 a. m. 3:00 a. m. 4:10 a. m. 7:00 a. m. 7:35 a. m. 10:00 a. m. 9.28 p. m. 12:30 p. m. 1:20 p. m. 3:45 p. ni. 2:00 p. m. •5:00 p. m. 3:05 p. m. 6:00 p. m. 6:1S p. m. 7:20 p. m. 5:50 p. m. 9:00 p. m. THE IMPROVED EASTWARD. Atlantic hxpress" , Philadelphia Expresst Harrisburg Express Columbia Accommodation. Pacific Express* Sunday Mail Johnstown Express , Day Express* Harrisburg Accom , The Hanover Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a, m., and will run through tu Hanover. The Frederick Accommodation, west, connects at Lancas- ter with Fast Line, west, at 2:10 p. m., and runs to Frederick. The Pacific Express, east, ou Sunday, when flagged, will stop at Middletown, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Laudis- Tille. *The only trains which run daily. tRuns daily, exce]tt Monday. Rnles Af Advertising- in the Farmer. 1 mo.... 2 mo.... 3 mo..... 4 mo.... 6 mo..... 5 mo.... 1 year. 55? S^>eeial and busiufss notices 1.5 cents per line M. HABERBUSH, MANOFACTUEEE OF Plain and Fine Harness, SADMI.EIS. COLLARS, WHIPS, FLY NETS, &c. , ^\LSO DEALER IN TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS, BUFALO ROBES, Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, &c.. No. 30 Penn Square, 10-1-ly LANCASTER, PA. STOP AND READ ALL FORMS OF Kidneyand Urinary Diseases^ Pains in the Back, Sides and loins, are positively cured by Grant's H-emedy, its efi'ectB are truly marvelous in Dropsy, Gravel, Bright's disease, Seminal losses. Leucorrhoea, and lost vigor, no matter of how long standing the case may be, possitive relief is had in from one to three days. Dojuot despair, hesi- tate or doubt for it is really a specific and never fails. It is purely a vegetable preparatiou, by its tinjely use thousands of cases that have been considered incurable by the most eminent Physicians havo been permanently cured. It is also indorsed by the regular Physician and Medical Societies throughout the country. Sold in bottles at Two dollars each or three bottle3, which is enough to cure the most aggravated case, seut to any address on receipt of Five dollars. Small trial bottles One dollar each. All orders to be addressed to Grant's Remedy Manufacturing Co., rs mingto: Sewing Machine 1 iu. Sin. 4 in. 6iu. Sin. $1.00;$ 2.00 $ 3.00 $ 4.80 $ 6.00 $ 8.00 2 00 4.00 6.00 S.OO 12. On 16.00 2.50 4.50 6.75 10.00 13. .'iO 18.00 3.00 «.00 9.00 12.00 18.00 24.00 4.60 9.00 13.50 18.00 27.00 36.00 6.011 12.00 18.00 24.00 36. 0:1 4S.00 9.00 18.00 27.00 36.00 .54.00 72 00 !• — Makes a perfect lock stich, alike on both sides, on ai/ kinds of goods. 3. — Runs Light, Smooth, Noiseless and Rapid. 3. — DuKABLE -Runs /or years without Repair. 4. — U'iU do all varieties 0/ Work and Fancy Stitching in a superior manner. 5. — Is Most Easily t/tattaged hy the operator. Length of stitch may be altered while running, and machine can be threaded without pas^ing thread through holes. 6. — Design Simple, Ingenious, Elegant. Forming the stitch -without the use of Cog Wheel Gears, Rotary Cams, or Lever Arms. Has the Automatic Drop Feed, which insures uniform length of stitch at any speed. Has our new Thread Controller , which allows easy movement of needle bar and prevents i?ijury to thread. 7. — CoNSTKUCTiON moU careful and Finished. It is manu- factured by the 7«(?j-/ j^/7//>Ki«r edition, which contains all the same mattei and illustrations. Contents tables free. Agentti Wanted MURRAY HILL PUBLISHING CO , 9-10-ly 129 East 2Sth St. K. Y. E. H. FRESHMAN & BROS., ADVERTISING AGENTS, 186 W. Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0., Are HutboriKed to coutract for ndvertising' iu tbis paper. Estunatesrarnistiedrree. Send lor a Circular. We Will Paj the Highest Market Price for all of the following articles or we will sell them for you on 5% (6 per cent.) commisssiou ^^■■^^^^^■^^ Chee&e, E O G K. P O IT T- D I I^TT CIl T R W Lard, Talllow, Feath- H III I P K ers. Potatoes, APPl. ES, Itf^V I I ■■III f^ T3 A TTVr ^*'^"^' Feed, Fur, Hide^, Wool, \3r.X«iX^XXH 9 Peanuts, Broom Corn, Dried Fruit, Hay, Hops. &c., &c. TJberal ca!>4b aclvances made on large consignments of staple articles. Farmers, shippers and dealers m general merchandise should write for refe- rence, price current, stencil, &c. When writing us, state whether you wish to ship on consignment, or sell; if you wish to sell, name the articles, amoant of each, and your VERY LOWEST PRlfE ^JT^.'o. B, (free aboard cars) at your nearest shipping point. Also, if possible, send sample by mall; if too bulky, by freight. Addess HULL & SCOTNEY, Commission & Shipping Merchants, 2:£1 aud 346 North Water Street, 9-11-ly] PHILADELPHIA. AuIJil 1 0 eral terms. Send for ciiculars. Best combination and most lib- National Monthly. Washington, D. G. '^ Unque*4tioiiah1y the best sustained work ot tbe kind in the World. *^ ILLUSTRATED. Notices of the Presa, The veteran Magazine, wliich long ngo outgrew its origit nal title of the Xeiu Monthly Magazine, has not in the least abiited the popularity it won at the outset, but has added to it in many ways, aud has kept fairly abreast of the times, thanks to the enterprise of the publishers and the tact and v/isdom of its editors. For whatever is best and most read- able in the Literature of travel, discovery, and liction, the average reader of to day looks to Harper's Magazine, just as expectantly as did the reader of a quarter of a century ago; there is the same admirable variety jf contents and the same freshness and suggestiveness in its editorial departments now as then. — Boston Journal. tsums. Festage Frse tc all Sulssribsrs in the United States. Haepeh's Magazine, one year $4 00, $4 00 includes prepayment of U. S. postage by the pub- lishers. Subficriptions to Harper's Magazine, WBEKLY,an(i Bazab, to one address for one year. ^\0 (W ; or, two of Harper's Periodicals, to one addre-'is for one year, $7,00 : postaije free. An Extra Copy of eiVftcr f/ip Magazine, WEEKLY,'^or Ba- zar will be supplied gratis for every Club of Fivr Subscri- bers af" $4 00 pacA, paiVi /"or by one remittance; or, Six Cop- ■ies one year, without extra copy, for $20 00. Back Numbers can be supplied at any time. 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PATENTS obtained foj- new inventions, or for improvements on old ones, for medical or other compounds, trademarks and labels. Caveats, Assignments, Interferences, Appeals, Suits for Infringements, and all cases arising under the Patent Laws, promptly al tended to. Inventions that have been r) T7TT7/^"pr?T^ by the Patent Office iV JC^ J LL K^ L JZ» J-/ may still, in most cises, be patented by us. Being opposite theU. S. Patent Department, and engaged in Patent busi- ness exclusively, we can make closer searches, and secure Patents more promptly, and with broader claims, than those who are remote from Washington, T XT\ f mVTT^r^'D C send us a model or ilN VrLlN iWrv3 sketch of your device; we make examinations and advise as to patentability, free of ebarsre. All correspondence strictly confideutjal. Prices low, and NO CHAROE IJXL£SS PATENT IS SE- CrRED. We refer in Washington, to Hon. Postmaster General 1>. M. Key, Rev. F. D. Power, The German-American National Bank, to oificials in the U. S. Patent Office, and to Senator! and Representatives iu Congress; and especially to our clients in every State in the Union and iu Canada. Address C. A. SNOW A CO., 9-10-] Opposite Patent Office, WashingUon, D. C. The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. RATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., OCTOBER, 1878. Vol. S. No. 10. AN APPEAL. It is with feelings of uniiir.ilified regret, luiiigli'cl witli imu'li iinxiely of iiiiiul, that tlic imblisher of Tue Faumer Ls compelled to again call the attention of its patrons to their unpaid subscriptions and other pecuniary obligations. We are largely indebted for necessary material and labor, and we have no other resource from whicli to obtain the means to meet the demands against us save from our subscribers and advertisers. The amount due us from each is but small indeed, and will fall lightly upon them, whilst in the aggregate it is large to us, and our failure to realize it must overwhelm us in financial dis- aster. For nearly two years we have been thrusting our hands into our pockets and dealing out all that came into them, in the payment of bills involved in our publication, and now we liud them entirely exhausted and large balances agaiust us still unpaid and due. We have been a very slave during the last twenty months in the service of The Farmek, and if we obtained every penny due us we would hardly realize the wages of a common street scavenger above our una- voidable expenses. When we assumed the responsibilities of publication we did so hopefully and with a determination to do our best ; and we also supposed we should at least be able to in- demnify the editor (who has toiled so long without remuneration,) for the paper, ink, stamps, envelopes, and "midnight oil" ex- hausted in his labors, but we have not done anything of the kind for the want of means. Dear patrons, think of these things, and . remember the absolute necessities of the • Publisher. ACKNOWLEDGMENT. Our friend Mr. William Weidle, of East Orange street, has again remembered us ma- terially by a generous donation of pears and grapes from his premises near the prison grounds, for which we make our most grate- ful bow. The grapes were of the Isradla variety, and although there may be varieties superior to them in size and flavor, yet the Israella possesses a quality of some impor- tance in an economical point of view. Mr. W. brought us some of these gra|)es that ripened in August, contemporary with the Hartford Prolilic, and they contiiuied from that time hanging on the vines up to the present time, (Oct. 10,) without dropping or wilting ; as solid, as lu.scious and as fragrant as they were in August. They are some- what thicker in the skin than most other popular varieties, and are, therefore, less liable to injury from wasps, hornets, bees or other insects, which surely is of some value now, since this subject is becoming one of more or less public discussion. Mr. W., how- ever, thinks they should be protected from a too cold winter exposure. The pears were of the Sheldon, Seckel, Lawrence, Henderson, Anjeau, Buerre Diel, Buerre ilaria, and Duchess Angouleme va- rieties, and although there are differences in their qualities, yet to one who is not a culti- vator of pears, who only enjoys an occasional opportunity of partaking of them, and who may not taste two different varieties in the same day, or the same week, they all seem good, and he cannot so readily distinguish be- tween them. This was our ' 'lix, " for wc wanted them to last as long as possible, as a sort of appetizer, and when we tasted a secodd varii'ty we had almost forgotten what the fust was like. There are some varieties of the pear, however, that are so j^ronoimred that they can nearly always be told even by those wlio oidy indulge in them semi-occasionally, such, for instance, as the Bartlett and the Seckel. In regard to this last named, the specimen we refer to could not consistently be classed with "small pears," for it had developed itself to the dignity of "medium" at least, and this should suggest some distinguishing iirelix or allix to the name, for we have seen them differ- ing in size as much as "shellbarks" and "Susquehaiuia peaches "—almost. ^ ENGLISH SPARROWS. Lancaster city is just at this time pretty well stocked with these active, saucy and pugnacious little denizens ; and now, since they have become more or less discredited, the prospect is that next season they may be resolved into an intolerable nuisance. Ti'king an afternoon walk through the northwestern part of the city, a few days ago, we met with several large flocks of them, numbering from fifty, probably, to one hundred in each flock, and seeing so many of them thus congregated together, it suggested the idea that they "possi- bly might learn the American habit of migrat- ing to a more congenial region. We know this would be very desirable to a good many people who have lost all confidence in them as insect scavengers. And this is not all, for no doubt those same people — should the sparniws conclude to emigrate — would earnestly wish that they might find their new quarters so agreeable as to prevent them from ever re- turning again. Kow that the season is over and there is no fruit for them to appropriate— if they ever did depredate much in that way — we think it would be difticult to estimate in dollars and cents just how much damage we did sustain from them during the past sea.son. Indeed, their sins are prolmbly more of omission than commission. They were intro- duced into this country for the purpose of destroying caterpillars and other noxious in- sects, and it is alleged that they "don't destroy them worth a cent." Xow, that the thing has been done and they have been domiciled amongst us, we may well wonder how any well informed person could expect that granivorous, or seed-eating birds, should manifest any special liking for insects. True, if nothing else were accessible, they would pro- bably rather eat them than suffer hunger or starve ; but fortunately to them, and unfor- tunately to us, they liave access to many de- sirable little "tit-bits" in the public highways and back yanls of the cities and towns, and many of these are intentionally furnished by benevolent citizens. Families shake their table-cloths three times a day in their back yards or garden walks on purpose to feed the sparrow.s, either through sheer charity, or as an expedient to prevent the birds from depre- dating upon their fruit in summer, or from destroying their fruit-buds in the winter. All summer our streets have been full of sparrows, and the more public the thoroughfare, and the more horses traveling over them, the more numerous the sparrows ; showing their normal granivorous iiroclivities by industriously ex- ploring the daily excrenientitious droppings, appropriating every undigested grain or seed they yield. If ever these birds have been insect scavengers, they seem to be perfectly de- moralized now. But "give the devil his due," for they cer- tainly do destroy some insects ; perhaps more than they get credit for. In common with many other liiids, of divers families and habits, they do feed their young with the softer kinds of insects, but whether those arc among the most noxious kinds has not yet been determined. They do not seem to have any i)articular love, however, for caterpillars and slugs, but they will devour a goodly num- ber of even these in rearing their young broods. Some caterpillars, however, must be very repugnant to any kind of birds. A few days ago a gentleman in this city brought us about fifty caterpillars that he found on his premi.ses, destroying the foliage of a Scotch pine, (Finns si/lrestris) which we feel certain no bird would eat any more than they would drink turpentine, for they emitted a" strong turpentine odor that could be smelt two or three fi-et away from them. With whatever bad (lualities they niay.bi^ endowed, their presence certainly enlivens the dull tedium of dreary winter, and whatever they have done, or left undone during the summer, when the winter's cheerless frosts prevail, aud they approach our doors and plead for their "daily bread," our hearts must be callous indeed if we can withhold it. We reflect that it is not their fault that tliey are here, and whilst here we nnist either feed them or let them .starve. In the foregoing we have given our reflec- tions upon the English sparrow from the town side of the question mainly ; but it any re- liance can be placed in newspaper paragraphs, the following from the Utim Observer gives a view of the "little folks " as they sometimes appear and act in the country, where the charge has been made that they arc gradually driving out all the otlier Ijirds ; and not con- tent with that, it appears that they are making an attempt to also drive out the people. If such conduct is a forecast of what they will do when tliey get the power, ^ye can't be made ac(piainled with it too soon, la order that we may hn forearmed against it ; for we may reasonably expect that what they have done in New York they probably will da in Pennsylvania at the opportune time. There is one thing certain, that, like the Colorado potato beetle, they are "making histoid," and have gotten their name i)retty well up in the agricultural, scientific, social and domestic chronicles of the times. Had they proved a real and unadulterated blessing, it is very probable that their notoriety or fame— what- ever we may Vie pleased to call it— would not have spread as rapidly and as far as has been the case under tlieir present ambiguous (some think diabolical or pernicious) character. Sparrows Attack>nd;Put to'Flight a Man. "( )ne mile and forty rods north of the beauti- ful village of Sauquilit resides Mr. Andrew J. Green. Day before yesterday he started to walk to the village. ' Swinging along with his wonted stride, and reaching a point withui half a mile of his destination, his attention was attracted by the strange actions of a large lloek of sparrows, hovering down over the sidewalk, flving rapidly'hither and thither in great excitement. As he approached them, and when in their midst, they evinced no fear of his presence, and instead of flying away on his entrance among them, they pressed around him in greater numbers, and almost imme- diately attacked him with their sharp bills with great fiuy. At first he was disposed to treat Uie attack as a trivial matter, and at- tempted to brush them away with his hands, but the few thus displaced were immediately replaced by myriads more, darting, chattering and piercing him with their .sharp l)ills, like "the flight of a cloud of arrows." Their immense nimibers and persistent charge was so great that he was soon thrown to the ground. Now thoroughly alarmed he strug- gled to his feet. Covering his eyes and face 146 THE LANCASTER FARMER. C Octobe with one hand as well as possible, he endea- vored with the other hand to wrest from the fence at his side a stake or picket with whicli to defend himself,but not succeeding, and the wild and infuriated little warriors still in- creasing their attack, he was forced to fight them again with his hands, when again he was thrown to tlie ground. Kow really terri- fied for his life,he pulled his coat over his face and head for protection, regained his feet and fled for his life, but they did not pursue him far. Exhausted and with his hands bleeding he reached the village, convinced that he had a narrow escape." The Passions of the Fishes. That fishes manifest anger, fear and other passions is insisted on by Eev. S. J. Whitmee in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. His observations were made in Samoa, where he kept the native fishes in aquaria, and watched their quarrels, which are by no means infrequent among the indi- viduals of the same species, and constantly occur between different species and genera, the signs of anger being obvious, especially as seen in the movement of the fins and spines. Under the influence of great anger or fear the dorsal fin is raised to its extreme height, and the spines, both of the dorsal and anal fins are very prominent. Besides this the scales all over the body are raised, so that the fish looks larger than when its mind is unruffled. The spines are used for defense and as they are pointed backward, predaceous fishes swim- ming after them less easily swallow them, and this is probably the chief if not sole use of the spines. The slow swimming Diodon and Tetradon, covered with spines, are thus protected. These views are in the main con- firmed by Dr. Day in the same Proceedings. — Harper''s Magazine for October. To some extent — that is, so far as we have had an opportunity to make the observation — our experience, we think, is in confirmation of the above, with perhaps some slight modifi- cation. We liave had sunfishes of the Cones- toga, gold-fishes and stickelbacks in the same aquarium. The last named were alway pug- nacious, and would drive even larger species almost out of the tank. Their dorsal fins would expand to the utmost tension, like "bristling bayonets," their eyes would be- come dilated, aud they seemed to make a pas- sionate assault upon their less pugnacious companions. Sun fishes, with seemingly fiery anger, would drive about the gold fishes, and on one occasion a specimen of the latter jumped the tank. We have at this time two small sun fishes (Pcmwtis catesbu) in a tank, nearly of the same size ; but, from the moment they were placed in it up to the present time — a period of about a month — the larger has been ceaseless in his assaults upon the smaller. Perhaps he is only playing "make believe" (for he does not seem to have injured his weaker companion any,) but he at times appears to manifest a good deal of "spite." But so far as our observation extends it is only the as- sailant that elevates the dorsal spines. The assailed dilates his tail and ventrals, and tries as much as possible to get out of the way and keep out of it. Perhaps it might be different if the one was large enough to swallow the other, but this not being the case he "trims his sails" in such a manner as to enable him the more surely to elude the attacks of his foe. DERIVATION OF COMMON NAMES. Certain names of common articles seem to lack meaning, and how some of the inappro- priate appellations were derived is a mystery. Many wonder what meaning there is in the words "horse-chestnut " and " horse-radish. " The Germantown Tdegra^jh says that the ori- ginal English words, however, were " harsh- chestnut " and "harsh-radish," but the pre- fix "harsh" was translated "horse" into French and Swedish, hence the common error is believed to have been derived. The Germantown Telegraph is considered good authority in many things, and may be so in this, but "we can't see " that he has exactly "hit the right nail on the head"— at least there is sufficient room left to warrant a different conclusion. Perhaps our most com- mon species of "horse-chestnut" is the ^sculus hippocastaneum. Several species are known under the common name of " Buck- eye," especially in the west, and we may suppose that this name may have been de- rived from a fancied resemblance between the fruit of these trees and the eye of a "buck." The common German name of horse-chestnut is Wilde Kastanie, and the Latin is Castanea caballina, both of which are literal transla- tions of the English name. The French name is Marron (Vlnde. Marron means a large chestnut, and d'Inde may indicate the original locality of the tree. Webster says, "the fruit was formerly ground and fed to horses, whence the name." The tree itself was brought from Constantinople about the be- ginning of the sixteenth century, either native there, or introduced from "the Indies." If tlie iruit was ground and fed to horses, it seems easy to see how the term "horse- chestnut" in time became the common desig- nation of it, "harsh" as it may be in its taste and texture. The hore-radish (Nasturtium armoracea,) belongs to the Mustard and Cress family (Crucifer^) and is the Baphanus agrestis of the Latins ; and the Bave sauvage of the French. The German name is Meerrettig, lit- erally interpreted sea-radish. Now, among the common people the transition to horse- radish might have been easily effected, especi- ally in an intermingling of the English and the German common people ; because meer is pronounced ?nare, the name of a female horse. It was doubtless called meerrettig by the Germans because it may have been origi- nally found growing in marshes, or along their sea or river coasts, as the "sea kale" was found and named. From such an origin marsh-radish might be derived, but hardly "harsh-radish." Not unlikely the name was derived from a tree that is found in India called the "horse-radish tree," (Hypcranthora pterygosperma,) the fresh root of which has a pungent odor and a warm taste, much like the common horse-radish ; but we confess that it is more likely still that the former was de- rived from the latter. The root of the horse- radish tree is or was used to some extent in medicines, but this member of the cress family is generally used as a condiment, and some- times as a seasoning to sauce, in which its "harshness" is entirely subdued and it be- comes very palatable. Rind, in his "Vegetable Kingdom," says: " The horse-radish is found growing wild in marshy places, and by the sides of ditches in England." As to the horse-chestnut the same author says : "It is a native of the northern parts of Asia, from whence it was introduced into Europe about the middle of the sixteenth century. Its progress can be traced from parts of Northern Asia to Constantinople, thence to Viena, and thence to Paris, where the first tree was planted in 1615, The Turks are said to grind tlie nuts and to mix them with the food of their horses, and they devoured them with avidity ;" and, furthermore, that from this originated the common name of horse- chestnut. We don't pretend, however, that all this to the contrary, "settles the question." We have merely given our impressions from the limited authorities we have been able to refer to. In the long lapse of time which often supervenes, and the transpositions from one nationality and language to that of another, as well as through illiteracy and the absence of an intel- ligent record, names often become consider- ably "mixed up," and their origin more or less obliterated. Therefore, although we in our deductions may be somewhat wrong, yet we cannot see that the Telegraph is exactly right. THE SULKY PLOW. According to the notice given in the papers, the Champion sulky plow, made at Dayton, Ohio, was exhibited on the farm of Col. Wil- liam L. Peiper, near this city, yesterday afternoon. It was operated by Mr. Lane Reed, and was shown in what had been a potato patch. The plow has an iron beam, iron frame and iron wheels, and is made in a very simple manner. The mold and share are made of the finest cast-steel, which can be repaired by any blacksmith. The plow was used to open and back furrow in such a w^ay as to turn every inch of ground. At the re- quest of Colonel Peiper the plow was set for depth and a furrow slice was turned IS inches wide and averaging 10 inches deep. The plow was drawn by three horses, and it was estimated that during the time of plowing, 1^ hours, i an acre of land had been com- pletely turned up. In all cases it turned up the hard, dry subsoil, such as had never be- fore been plowed, and turned it over com- pletely pulverized. It was the opinion of all the farmers present that such plowing had never before been seen in the vicinity. The plow is worked by two levers, one of which throws the plow in and out of the ground, and the other for leveling the bottom of the furrow. These levers are directly at the control of the plowman, who sits on a comfortable spring seat. The plow is thrown out of the ground by disengaging the lever and pushing it slightly forward, when the horses in moving pull the plow out of the ground without further labor to the rider. ' Tlie machine can be adjusted to the plow at any depth required, and being locked in the ground will plow hard ground that otherwise would be impossible. A boy who can drive three horses can run this plow, and can do as much work in one day as two two-horse plows. All sorts of trash can be plowed down and turned under completely out of sight. — Eo>- aminer and Express. ^ REMINDER FOR OCTOBER. In the Middle States, the labors of the gar- dener are varied, as during the preceding month ; but he who then neglected duties necessary to be done, has lost time not to be regained — the autumn is upon him. Seeds of a few varieties may still be sown. The prin- cipal labors are, however, the protection of crops, already grown, transplanting others, and setting out trees and shrubs. Asparagus- beds dress. Cabbage plant out in light land, for next season's use. Beets and carrots store now, or early next month. Lettuce plant out for next spring. Potatoes dig. Spinach sow at once, if not sown last month. Vacant : ground trench. ^ SUGAR FROM CORNSTALKS. The agricultural department has for some time been experimenting as to the possibility of making sugar from cornstalks. These ex- periments were brought to a close on last Saturday. The results so far obtained are be- lieved to be sufficiently favorable to be brought to the attention of farmers throughout the country. It is too late to have the method thoroughly tested during the present season, as the cane will be too mature to give the best results, but if it shall prove to be what is claimed for it,doubtless it will be widely tested next year. We are the largest sugar consum- ing nation in the world. The amounts we import annually are enormous, and immense suras of money are sent abroad to pay for it. We have tried to make sugar from sorghum or Chinese cane, but the experiments were not satisfactory. The sugar beet has also been tried, but up to the present time the manu- facture has not proved profitable, although we cannot but believe that this industry will at no distant day become one of the most ex- tensive in the land. Most of Central Europe now makes all the sugar it consumes from tliis material ; it has been found largely profit- able, and there exists no good reason why the manufacture cannot be successfully estab- lished here. The growth of sugar cane in this country is confined by natural laws to several of the Southern States, and has even declined there very largely since the war, but Indian corn is raised in every State in the Union. The sup- isn.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. d47 ply of cane is almost buyoiul calciilaLioii now, and will conlinue to incuease as the vast regions towards the Paeilic lill up. If, there- fore, it can be made available in sn]iplying the constantly increasiiij; demand for siij^ar it must become a vast source of national wealth. If the juices it contains arc at all rich in saccharine matter cheap suj^'ar would be tlie result. Its culture would assume still greater proportions tlian at present. It would prove one of the farmers' licst crops. At present the stalks are rarely utilized except for the manure pile. Should they be found to possess a value beyond that they will assuuKi a more important place in agricultural econoni)'. We await with much interest the rejiort of the department, and trust it will be such as to justify the anticipations that have been formed from the little that has already been made known. AMBER SUGAR CANE. Minnesota's Experience— An Industry Worth the Attention of Lancaster County Farmers. The cultivation of "Sugar Cane," or "Sugar Grass" (Sorghum saccharum), as it is called specifically, in order to distinguish it from the Southern or true sugar cane (Sac- charum officiuarum), involves an agricultural and commercial, as well as a domestic inter- est, that must eventually elicit the attention of progressive farming in all the Northern and Middle States, if not tlie entire Union. It is well known that the true "sugar cane " (Sac- charum) is cultivated froin cuttings, and from cuttings alone, and that it is not adapted to the peculiar climatic vicissitudes of the North- ern States. Because, if overtaken by a severe spring frost — which often affects it disas- trously even in tlie "Sunny South" — it can- not be so readily renewed, or replaced by re- planting, as can be done in crops raised from seeds alone ; for when the sprouts push forth and start to grow in the spring they cannot well be retarded, but must be planted ; more- over, it seems to be exceedingly difficult to mature the seeds of sugar cane in our country, or anywhere else, except, perhaps, in the country where it originated ; at least sugar cane cultivators never make the production of seed a specialty, and never depend upon it as a means of perpetuating the crops. But in the cultivation of " sugar gra.ss " (sorghum) the case is very different. This is grown from seeds alone, and is as sure a crop in the Northern States as the common Indian corn, or btoom corn, and it matures its seeds as surely and as thoroughly as wheat, corn rye or oats do, and when touched by a severe late spring or early summer frost, can be as easily replaced by replanting as the common corn (Zea maize) can, and with as certain results. The trials which have been made in the culti- vation of sorghum or sugar grass in the Northern States have been as satisfactory as could have been expected under all the cir- cumstances, and with the moderate stock of knowledge on the subject possessed by our farmers generally. There was no necessity in abating their efforts, or in relinquishing its cultivation altogether, because they did not realize their maiden anticipations. Some forty years ago the whole North went S])as- modically into the silk culture, or rather into the speculation of Morus inullicaulus trees, and when the bubble bursted, the whole enterprise was just as sjiasmodically aban- doned, and yet the cultivation and manufac- ture of silk still goes on, and is perhaps the largest industrial interest in the world, and before we celebrate our second centemiial, onr own California will supply onr entire Union. The question in such a matter should not be solely, how shall I benefit my.self, but how may I benefit mankind ? Some of the Western States, even those north of our parallel of latitude, have persevered in the cultivation of Sorghum, and in the manufacture of syrup and eyen of sugar, this industry is increa.sing. They are now cultivating a variety called " Amber Cane," and the results have far transcended their most sanguine expectations. J-ast week the Stale Agricultural Society of Minnesota held its annual iiidustiial exhibi- tion at St. I'aul in that State, whilst another was held at MinTiea|>olis by the Agricultural and Mechanical Association in the same week, and on the whole the occ'asion has been con- sidered " till' most remarkable in the history of agriculture in the country." The cxhild- tion of sugar, sugar mills and sugar evapora- tors was very ample and very satisfactory, as the following extracts fully illustrate : The St. Paul Pioneer Prcsn publishes a re- markable announcement from the Depart- ment of Agriculture. It says a sample of sugar made from the Minnesota amber cane was some time since forwarded to the (Com- missioner of Agriculture at Washington, and by him jilaced in the hands of experts for a thorough and careful analysis. To the sur- prise of all who are acquainted with it, the result was as follows : Cane sugar (true succhiirlue) S8.9 Griipe Huifiir, glucose '*. 6 6 Water 6.6 "The result," says a correspondent of the Prairie Fanner, "is one of the most imiiort- ant that the Deiiartment of Agriculture has ever ascertained. It now only remains to per- fect the processes by which true sugar has been obtained from sorghum in the banana regions of this country, and then go on to supply the demand, which amounts to fully S20U,(i(X),000 a year. This opens up a new avenue to American agriculture almost bound- less in extent, and fully equal to the produc- tion of breail food among us. The new enter- prise will demand technical skill and intelli- gence of a high grade, and is worthy general attention and patient perseverance until com- plete success is commanded." If the Pioneer Press or the Prairie Farmer would give further particulars in regard to the care, cul- ture and average yield of the amber cane, and the comparative certainty of its growth in Minnesota or elsewhere, the fixcts would be of much interest to farmer readers in all parts of the country. Now, we may naturally suppose that what can be accomplished in the cold regions of Minnesota, all other things being equal, can be accomplished in Pennsylvania, and especially in Lancaster county; for wherever "broom corn" — a species of sorghum — will grow, the "amber cane" can also be cultivated. True, as the writer of the above paragraph says, "the new enterprise will demand technical skill and intelligence of a high grade, and is worthy of general attention," and although this may Ilea sort of terror to "old fogies, "yet it is the very condition that the risinar genera- tion of farmers is preparing itself for. Every- thing ixMpiires more skill and intelligence now than it did fifty or a hundred years ago. Our soil and its manipulation have i)assed be- yond its virgin state, and like a gold, iron or coal mine, nothing can begotten out of it with profit, unless it is intelligently and skillfully worked. Theoretical works on the subject of sorghum culture have already been pub- lished, and by the study of these, with per- severing industry, the practical part can be surely and cfiiciently acipiired. The Prairie Farmer says, "it is not aware that any condition of soil or of climate pecu- liar to the State of Minnesota, render the cul- tivation of 'amber cane' there any more cer- tain of success than in other States," and further remarks, that it "would advise those who are desirous of making experiments to consult with Mr. C. F. Miller, of Dundas, and Seth II. Kciiney, of Morristown, Minnesota, who will furnish full particulars and informa- tion ill regard to seeds, culture, etc." The State Society of Minnesota purchased an acre of growing cane for experimental purposes at the exhibition, and when cut, stripped and headed, the canes weighed l'.l,'JI4 pounds. We believe our Lancaster county corn lands could exceed that much easier tiian they could produce 80 bushels of com to the acre. ^ Pay your back siibscriptions. "A SNAKE IN HIS EYE." Much ado is now being made about a cer- tain horse standing in a stable in Sanson) street, Philadelphia, alleged to have a "snake in his eye," and many people in and about that city are Hocking thitherward in order to see the wonderful phenomenon, declaring that they " have never .se(,'n the like before.'" In- asmuch as among those wonilerstruck visitors An- to be founil learned physicians, veterinary surgeons, and othei"S "who have dippid deep into the mysteries of anatomy, and have absorbed the lore of American cidlege.s and (ierman universities, "it is a little remark- able that nobody has seen or heard the like before, especially as it is by no means a new thing, a number of similar cases having got- ten into tin; columns of secular newspapers during the past ten years. These phenomena being reported usually as involving the pre- .senee of "snakes," the wonderment of tlie people is greatly enhanced, because the same idea attached to a subject of the Ophidian order, is also attached to these little animal l)arasites. Of course, it is not a snake they liave seen, nor anything like a snake, although there may be i>resent a miniature animal, somewhat aiiproximating to a snake in out- ward appearance. In point of fact, physiologi- cally or anatomically si)eaking, these animals don't come as near — or any nearer — in organic structure, to a snake, as they do to a man, or any other animal, whether fish, flesh or fowl, belonging to the great division of vertebrates. A snake, properly so-called, is an air-breath- ing vertebrated animal ; so is a man, a horse, an elephant, or a hen ; and to call an animal a snake only because it is long, tapering and cylindrical, would be about equivalent to call- ing every fruit a iilum or a peach, only be- cause it happened to be spherical or round. The exact position of these worms (not snakes) in scientific classification is not yet fully determined, on account of their infre- quency and the ditficulties attending their consecutive investigation, but their analogy to the Gordiaceous ("Ilair-worm" family) and other worms, leads to the supposition that they are migrat»ry in their habits, and that one part of their lives is passed in a locality quite dificrent from that in which they have at various times times and under various circumstances been detected. The "gapes " in fowls is caused by the accumula- tion of worms in their trachea, or breathing organs, which belong to a division of the same family. Various species aie found in pigs, calves, dogs, sheep, birds, beetles, grasshop- pers, fishes, etc., etc., as well as in men, horses and other animals. We have often found them in grasshoppers, and on one occa- sion in a large water beetle — (Dytiscus). Among the zoological specimens collected by Mr. Merriman, in the explorations of Prof. Ilayden, in the summer of 1872, a new species of these threadworms, or hair worms, was found under the eye of a hawk (Buteo). It seemed to be entirelj' new, and was described by Dr. I'acker under the name of Eustrongy lus buteonus, and is allied to a species (E. i>apil- losus) found very frequently in the brain of the " Anbinga-B'ird " of Florida. :Mr. AValker took two specimens of a species from the brain of a "Night hawk " (Chordeilis Virginianus) shot at Compton, New Hampshire, in Juno, 1W:J, which has been described as Eustrongy- lus chordeilis. A very interesting (?) account of "A snake in his eye'' (taken from a Philadelphia paper) was published on the first page of The Lilelli- . It is somewhat astonishing what a source of .sustenance the tobacco i>lant is becoming to a large number of in.sects. There are now known to be eighteen f)r twenty species, that in one way or another prey upon it. The suc- cessful tobacco grower must there- fore increase his -vigilance, and not be unwilling to go to some trouble to secure a good crop. And now a word about the enemy. The class Ifi/riapoda (many-footed) is conspicuously divisible into two grand divisions, namely: Millipedes (thou.sand-footed) an(l Centipede,s (hundred-footed). The first arc herb- iverous, and the second carniverous ; therefore, the latter never need di.s- tnrb the equanimity of the tobacco grower. Although many of the first division feed on decayed vegetation, or on fungi, yet some of them are very destructive to garden \ese- tables. The first division have cylindrical bodies com])osed of many segments or rings, and four feet at- tached to each ring underneath, and they move slowly. The second divi- sion have flat bodies, two feet to each segment, attached to the sides, and their movements are rapid. Each of tlie.sc divisions is divided into several families, and these into genera and sjiecies. The above two grand divisions are scientifically called C/iilof/notha and Chilopodo, and down at the lower end of the first named is a family called Polij- drsinido', a kind of connecting link between the two great divisions, similar to the first in structure and habits, Init allied to the latter in the flattened form of the body ; and to this family the little individuals be- long that are the subject of this pajier. They belong to the genus Poh/desnim, which is the type of the family, but they are still too immature to de- termine theirspecies. Color, whitish to gray. ^ CORNSTALKS vs. SORGHUM. For some time past the chemist of the De- jiartment of Agriculture at Washington has been wrestling with the constituent substances that exist in the shaiie of cornstalks and sorghum, endeavoring to separate their sac- charine jiroperties and ascertain how much crystallized sugar could be obtained from a given (piantity. His experiments are now given to the world as follows : The aggregate weight of the cornstalks used was 11,237 pounds, and the weight of sorghum 13,958 pounds. The weight of the juice from the cornstalks was 2,773 pounds, and from the sorghum 4,0(53 pounds. The specific gravity of the cornstalk juice was 10.54 ; that of the sorghum juice, 10..58. The percentage of juice in the cornstalks as they came from the field was 24.68 ; the percentage of the sorghum, 3.5..5r). Thus 2,571 pounds of cornstalk juice yielded 382 pounds of syrup, and 4,355 pounds of sorghum yielded 000 pounds of syrup. This syrup contains 75 per cent, of its weight of 150 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ October, sugar. The mill used in these experiments was an indifferent one, and the sorghum was in small stalks. Better results would have been reached had the stalks been larger. Dr. Collier says he is satisfied that there is not a farmer in the country who cannot rely upon results 50 per cent, greater than he has se- cured, with a better mill. ^ ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. S. p. E., Esq., Lancaster, Pa. — The large black and yellow spider you sent us is the common "Garden Spider," {Ejieira riparia.) Since it has been in our possession it has spun a large, brownish, silken, spherical cocoon, after which it died. The cocoon is about an inch and a half in diameter, and we therefore presume that the specimen was a female, and that the cocoon contains a large number of eggs ; which, in due time, will produce as many young spiders ; but somehow veiy few of them comparatively reach the adult state ; at all events we never see one-tenth part of them reach maturity. Again, the faintly greenish-white worms, about an inch in length, with a yellowish- brown head, six black pectoral legs, sixteen prolegs, or proplegs, and two dorsal longi- tudinal rows of squarish black spots, and two lateral rows of the same, which you found destroying the foliage of your "Scotch Pine," {Pinus sylvestris,) are the larvfe of a "Pme Saw-fly," (Lophyrus,) perhaps the L. Lecontii, but we cannot determine the species until we breed the "fly." About twenty of them have spun yellowish-white cocoons, about three- eighths of an inch in length, of an oblong oval form, and very smooth externally; they look something like the white "tield-bean," but not so white. Tliese insects are said to pro- duce two broods in a season. These we have, commenced spinning on the 28th of Septem- ber, and they continued so occupied until the 3rd or 4th of October. Keeping them in a warm room we may get some of the flies this fall yet, but it is very probable we shall not get them mitil next spring. Six or seven species of these flies have been described as infesting the pine in their larva state, but the number may be greater. These larva have a strong smell of turpentine, and they seem to be saturated with that substance, which may indicate that they cannot easily be killed with any ordinary remedy. E. K. H., Creswell, Lantaster eoimly, Pa. — The whitish insects, with long hairlike an- tennae, which you obligingly sent us, we have long known as tlie "Tree cricket," ( (Ecanthus niveus) but their depredations ujion the tobacco plant is a new characteristic alto- gether. Years ago we only found them occa- sionally, singly or in pairs, on the willow and other trees, or on garden shrubbery. Subse- quently we noticed them on grape vines, more numerously, where they were charged with cutting off' the clusters of green grapes ; but now, according to your representations, cor- roborated by the observations of a number of other tobacco growers, they are next to the "Horn-worm" — (sphinx) — the worst enemy among the dozen which now infests the to- bacco plants in Lancaster county. They attack the young leaves as they are successively developed, eating numerous holes in them, and as the leaves expand by subsequent growth, these holes increase proportionally in size so that when the leaf is fully matured its quality is marred by the unsightly mutilations of this enemy, and they become either worthless or only of a much depreciated value. We are surprised at the immense numbers reported, fully fifty now to one a few years ago. Their acute sight, and their wonderful agility in secreting themselves is very remarkable. They seem to be far worse than any of the slow and almost immovable caterpillars that infest the tobacco. They are so quick in hiding, or otherwise in making their escape- especially after the development of their wings — that it is almost impossible to apply a remedy to counteract them with any kind of success. All we are able to suggest is ' ' eternal vigilance," and their destruction at as early a period of their development as possible, and while they are yet very young carbelize them. (See September number). We reply to a dozen querists that the "queer bugs" (but really caterpillars), which they sent or brought us, are commonly called the "sad- dle-back moth," (veritable "Greenbackers,") the Euphretia stinmla of Dr. Clemmens. They appear to be more numerous the present season than we have ever known them to be, one ob- server assuring us that he counted ten on a single Gladiola leaf. They appear to be en- dowed with the peculiar economical faculty of adapting themselves to a variety of plant- food, for they have been found during the past summer on the apple, pear, quince, plum, cherry, rose, cabbage, gladiola, grape, corn, beets, lilac, morning-glories, and a number of other shrubs and plants. So far as we have been able to learn they do not attack the peach or nectarine, and probably the apricot is ex- empt ; but nothing else comes amiss, and they are particularly fond of the common plantain. We admonish our readers to be careful not to let any exposed part of their bodies come in contact with the bristling spines on the fleshy horns at both ends of their bodies. Painful irritation or inflamation sometimes follows. Eventually they spin a brown, smooth, hard cocoon, in which they pass tlie winter, and appear as moths in June. (See August number. ) Bug or Beetle. A very curious bug, found on one of our streets by Samuel J. McDowell, was brought to our office on Saturday. It is about one inch long by half an inch wide, with a hard oval case of d.ark brown color. On the under side four short legs are located, near the head, and about the centre of the body are two longer paddle-like legs, furnished with a brush, which the insect reyolves with great rapidity on being turned upon its back. When walking these paddles drag behind like rudders. In the absence of any correct knowledge of the insect we have named it the clock bug, because it appears to wind itself up with such dexterity whenever placed upon its back. It has been sent to Prof. Rathvon, the celebrated entomologist of Lancaster. — Oxford Press. The "bug" (not a bug but a beetle) alluded to in the above paragraph was duly received, and proves to be a fine specimen of Cybister dissi7nilis, one of our largest species of "water beetles. " They are amphibious in their habits, breeding and feeding exclusively in the water, but when perfectly matiu-ed, they are pro- vided with an ample pair of wings which, by transverse folds, lie closely packed under the shield-like elytra which cover the back. By the aid of these wings they are able to emerge from the water and fly a considerable distance, but when wandering too far, they often fall to the earth and are unable to rise again. These migrations are supposed to be stimu- lated by their sexual impulses, or in pursuit of a more favorable locality to propagate their species. Their larva, a loiig-lizard-shaped animal, with large and strong jaws, lives ex- clusively in the water, and feeds upon auj'- thing of the animal kind it can capture in its native element, being carnivorous in its habits, and a most voracious feeder, often devouring the fry of fishes. The above description from The Press is correct enough, without needing one from us, except that it does not exactly "revolve " its paddles (that motion in a short time would twist them off"), but uses them pretty nmch as an oarsman does a pair of oars ; and it is by means of these i)addles or oars that the insect propels itself through the water. On land its locomotion is very imperfect, but in the water it is perfectly at home, and boatmen, by study- ing its form and its manner of plying its oars, might gather some new ideas. We thank the editor of The Press for this very desiralilc specimen, which we shall register and place in our cabinet. Foreign Wheat. The following correspondence will explain itself : Mr. S. S. Rathvon — Bear Sir: I send herewith some heads of wheat. The two longer ones I i)icked in a field in the north of France, and the shortest one was given me by a Belgian, who had taken many medals, I believe, for success in agriculture and kin- dred pursuits. Please to keep the wheat for me, as our farmer proposes to plant it. — With high rec/ard, d-c, respectfully yours, P. E. O., Bird-in-jland, Lancaster county, Pa., 9th mo. 21s!, 1878. These fine specimens of "foreign wheat" were duly received and exhibited at the meet- ing of the Linnoean Society, held September 28th, and at that of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society, held October 7th, 1878, in the proceedings of both of which societies they were favorably noticed. The following will explain how it was disposed of, and also where we may look for whatever may res>dt from its cidtivation. S. S. R., Esq. — Dear Sir: Please let the bearer, Mr. Henry Shitfner, have the three heads of Belgian and French wheat after the meeting of the Agricul- tural Society. — Yours, etc., P. E. O. The order has been accordingly honored. Three heads of wheat may be a little thing to write about, to talk about, or even to think about, especially in a year like the present, when there was so much fine wheat raised in nearly every State and Territory of the Union; but sometimes the largest interests and great- est events have their origin in beginnings quite as seemingly insignificant. Two young sprigs of rival noble houses had a quarrel in a flower garden in England, the one plucking a red and the other a white rose, as mementoes of their hasty spleen. But the wars of the "Red and White Roses" prostrated and elevated thrones, suppressed and reconstructed dynasties, and drenched England in blood for many subse- quent years, and the finger of history often traces it back to the petty quarrel in the fiower garden. Should there be a revolution in seed wheat ; should a variety be developed that is proof against the ravages of the Hessian fly, the midge and the weevil, the rust, the smut and the mildew, in the future of our country, the intelligent agriculturist, still unborn, may trace its origin back to the present period, and its early record be found in the columns of The Lancaster Farmer for October, 1878, long after the journal and its sponsors have passed the "boundaries of another world. " In this, as in many other events, posterity may realize that "Tall oaks from little acorns grow, Large streams from little fountains flow." West Earl, Oct. 11, 187«. Prof. Rathvon — Dear Sir : Enclosed find a kind of bug. Will you please answer through The Lan- caster Farmer what it is, and oblige yours, &c., D. G. R. This dull, brown insect, about an inch and a half long, and half an IhcIi broad across the lower part of the body, with a toothed ridge on the top of the thorax, is commonly called the " wheel-bug " [Reduvius novenarius). Protect and treat kindly all the bugs of that species you find on your premises, for they do not subsist on vegetation, but on other insects. Some of them will hibernate during the win- ter, but most of them will deposit their eggs on any protected place they can find, if they have not already done so. It may be well to state here, however, that this insect can in- flict a painful wound with its piercer, but it may be handled, if care is taken. Under any crrcumstances, knowing that it does not injure vegetation, it may be " let severely ahne." EUROPEAN SHIPMENTS FROM PHILA- DELPHIA. The following shipments were made from the port of Philadelphia for the week ending September 28 : Petroleum, 1,. 3.59,911 gallons, .$144,2.37; wheat, bu.shels, .3.')2,.598, $379,8.59; coal, tons, 599, ,$1,937 ; lumber, feet, 92,324, $1,623 ; pipe staves, 4,843, $724 ; corn, bush- els, 439,305, $231,024 ; cheese, boxes, 2,555 ; provisions, packages, 1,322 ; flour, barrels, 1,125 ; butter, tubs, 638 ; tobacco, packages, 289 ; tallow, hogsheads, 100 ; spokes, casfts, 99 ; duck, packages, 117 ; bark, packages, 168; beef, tierces, 50; carbon, casks, 32 ; can- ned goods, cases, 46 ; skins, packages, 35 ; sundries, packages, 30. 1878. THE LANCASTER FARMER 151 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF TO- BACCO. 1496 — Romanus Pane, a Spanish monk, whom Cohinibus in liis second voyaije loft in America, piililislied the liist account of to- bacco under tlie name of "Colioiia." 1525 — Tlie negroes on llie plantations in the AVest Indies began to use it. 155i»— Jean Kicot, envoy from France to Portugal, sent some of the seeds to Paris, and from him accjuired the name of "Nicotiana." When it was lirst used in France it was called hcrhe du Grande I'rieur of the house of Lor- raine, who was very fond of it. It was also called herhc de St. Croix, from Cardinal St. Croix, who lirst introduced it into Italy. 15.50— At this date in Holland tobacco was smoked in conical tubes made of palm leaves plaited together. 1.575 — First appeared a print of the plant in Andrew Tlievet's Cosmograpliic. 158.5— The English tleet .«aw the Indians of Virginia use clay jiipes, from which time they began to be used in Eurdpc. 1604— James I., of England, sought to abolish the use of tobacco by heavy imposts upon it. IGIO — The smoking of tobacco was indulged in at Constantinople. To render the custom ridiculous a Turk, thus detected using the plant, was led through the streets with a pipe thrust through his nose. 1015— The cultivation of tobacco was begun in Holland. 10111 — James I. ordered that no planter cul- tivate more than one hundred pounds. 1020— Smoking first introduced into Ger- many. 1031 — First introduced into Austria by Swedish troops. 1034 — The use of tobacco forbidden in Rus- sia under penalty of having the nose cut off. 1053 — First used in Switzerland, where the magistrates first punished those found smok- ing, but the custom became too general to be suppressed. 1090 — Pope Innocent XII. excommunicated all who should take snuft'or use tobacco while at church. AROUND THE FARM— No. I2. " Did you hear of the accident last week ?" asked a neighbor the other day. "No, .said I," what has happened ? '' A party of ladies and children were driving down a hill, when the breech strap broke and the horse ran away, injuring several of the occupants, broke the shafts and mashed a wheel before he could be stopped." ''It was lucky no one was hurt very bad," said I, but it again brings me to think of a very simple device, which, if ap- plied in this case, would have .saved more than the cost originally, besides the damage the horse sustained, for if a horse once runs away he is not safe afterwards. The device 1 have reference to is a good pad-lock, with. which every market carriage should be pro- vided. 1 am surprised that so many people drive without a good pad-lock. It will save more than its cost in horse fiesh in a single season, for going down hill with a heavy load to hold back is as hard on the horse, if not harder, than going up. If I could i)ersuade all my readers to apply locks to their carriages I would immediately do it. You might as well try to*drive a two or four horse wagon with- out a lock as carriage. This is the third accident happening within three months from the same cause (in one of which a man broke Ijoth arms at the elbows), and I have taken pains to ascertain if they had locks to their wagons, and I found neither of them had. Cutting Cornstalks. No doubt my readers will remember that I advised them, last autumn, to cut oif the cornstubbles before husking. To do this ex- peditiously I had a hoe made out of an old axe, which is a capital implement fortius purpose. By getting your blacksmith to make a hole through the flat side of the axe and affixing a handle, your hoe is complete. — Rurarlist, Creswdl, October olh, 1878. For The LASCAsTEn Fahmeb. LARGE FLOWERING SPURGE. (Euphorbia C^rollala.j The Spurge family consists of herbs, shrubs, or even trees, often with a milky juice, chiefly represented by the genus Euphorbia. The E. fulgens of Mexico, and E. splcndens of Mauritius, are ornamental hot-house flowers often met with. The native species, E. corol- lata, is found frequently along fence rows or in old fields of a rather sandy soil. New York is its northern limit; it grows two or three feet high, and by its neat form and conspicuous branching umbels of white "flowers" cannot fail to attract the attention of any one having his eyes open to grace and beauty. But what we commonly term flowers are peculiar in this genus, which is at once known, however, by having a three iobed ovary, raised out of a kind of flower-cup, on a curved stalk, and milky juice of the plant. The Indians were •acquaiiited with it as a medicine. In a letter written by Mr. Clayton to Dr. Grew, con- tained in the, "Transactions of the Royal Society for 1730," states that "the aborigines made use of this root, called ' Tythymal,' as a purge, though it sometimes vomits. It is quick but moderate in its eflects, and has this peculiarity, that it opens the body when other more violent purgatives will not move it." The root is large and branching ; stems erect and round, mostly simjile ; the leaves and habit of growth is well shown by the rough cut. The ^'■Euphorbia corollnta'''' has several common names, such as "Milk-weed," (this name usually applies to the Asclqnas also,) "Snake'sMilk," "Ipecacuanha," and "Indian Physic," which latter name applies to several other plants ; this shows the uncertainty of local common names. W. ZollickofEer, M. D., of Baltimore, some years ago brought the plant into notice as a medicine of considerable power, in place of the Ipecacuanha of the shops, and thinks it in no respect inferior to that article. He relates seventeen cases in which he adminis- tered the powdered root of this plant in doses of from ten to twenty grains. Fifteen to twenty grains act as emetic, without an un- pleasant taste or producing any material un- ea.siness Dr. McKeen used smaller doses, giving from three to twelve gi'ains of the powdered root, as a cathartic, chiefly, how- ever. In one case a dose of three grains was actively cathartic ; in another five grains pro- diiced vomiting — these are exceptional cases. It rarely proves inactive. The conclusion of Dr. Bigelow is: "Tlie Eui)horbia coroUata must undoubtedly be ranked among the more ellieient melants and formed it into a pill, the size of a pea, and it became so much like a light-colored India-rubber as to satisfy me that the milky juice was of the same nature — the "Milk- weed," "Wild Cotton," genus Asclepias. The milky juice is bitter and acrid and contains caoutchouc ; so also the Dog-banc, family of plants, Apocynoceo'. The Urscola elasticn of Summatra belongs to this family. They all contain genera that are highly poisonous ; others valuable medicines. In conclusion I will only add that ctwutrftowc exi.sts in the form of miiuite globules, diffused as an emulsion, Dr. Gray says, "in the milky juices of plants, most abundantly in Utrica- cefe, Euphorbiacea; and Apocynacea;. " Gutta- percha is a similar product of the milky juice of a sapotaceous plant. Many persons con- sider the two products identical ; not strictly so, however. — J. Slauffer. For The Lancabter Fabmer. LIME AS A FERTILIZER. Prof. S. S. Rathvon— Dear Sir: With your permission I will offer a few remarks on the efliciency of lime, as an agent in the en- riching or amelioration of the soil, differing with the lecture of our friend Levi S. Reist, Esq., as published in The Fakmkh for Sep- tember. There are often articles in The Fakmeu that ought to be reviewed or criti- cised, if the writers would give their names in full, but to reply to anonymous scribblers, is very much like the old Siiw of "the dog bark- ing at the moon !" Mr. II. firstly asks the question, "Does lime benefit oiir soils to that extent as to assure us that it will pay all the expenses connected with it ?" and tells us " in his opinion it does not pay." Now, if I am allowed to refer back sixty years, I may say that I well remember the farms in West and Ea.stllempfield townships, and a few farms in Manor towu.ship, Lanca.s- ter county, as also along the turnpike in Chester county, that were so very sterile that neither corn, wheat nor clover could be grown. How are those farms now ? equal in quality of productiveness to the best in the Slate of Pcnnsylvpropria- tions, but we would like to see the Govern- ment recognize our services by a little more 1878.J THE LANCASTER FARMER. 153 liberality,aiid establish farmers' experimental stations, &c., or wliat is better, raakiiiK a))- proiiriations for such purposes, to be paid to the different States upon compliance with some stated rules and regulations. The Post-olliee Department has, however, taken the plan for the most dire<-t discrimi- nations and annoyances of which the farmer can complain. The business of seed-ffrowing is becoming of some importance, and some years ago postage was reduced to eight cents a pound on all seeds, cuttings and i)lanls. A yeai- or two later the very last act of Congress changed the law from eiglit cents to sixteen cents per pound, the law taking innnediate etlect. Tlic effect of the law was such that the mails at some places became clogged with seeds that could not be forwarded on account of the in- sufficient postage that had been paid thereon. It was only by a stretch of authority on tlie part of the Po.stmaster-Gencral that a com- plete dead-lock, or the throwing out of thou- sands of dollars' worth of seed, was preventcil. But the increase iu postage was the Unist evil inllicted on our people, for the Canadians can send seeds through our mail, and it ccsts them but four cents postage, which is paid to their government, not ours. Suppose that one of our farmers goes into raising turniii seed and can retail it at 50 cents per pound ; if he wants to send it V)y mail he must ask Gti cents per pound ; the Canadian is enabled, by the liberality of our Oovernment to send it for 54 cents, or in plain words, our Govern- ment, through the Post-office Department, enables the subject of a foreign power to undersell our own people as much as twelve cents on a pound of seed, which in case of turnip seed amounts to about i>fenti/-jhr }Kr cent., or if so minded the foreign subject can make the larger proportion of the difference and still undersell us. A very bad case of the want of care for the interest of the people, on the part of the Post-ottice Department, occurred during the summer. For a few years past it has been the custom to send queen bees through the mail, they being received and forwarded as matter of the third-class, on the payment of one cent for each ounce. The department gave no inti- mation, but all at once came the ruling that queen bees are not mailable matter, and num- bers of such bees, wortli from two to six dol- lars each, were tlnown aside to die. Cotdd not the department have notified postmasters to receive no more bees, but to forward to their destination such as were already iu the mail V But what did it matter to the otiioials at the head of the department. The annoy- ance and loss fell simply on/ar»icrj> and others engaged in rural pursuits. Tliis, it may be said, is not to discuss poli- tics, but would it not be a little to the interest of the farmers to see that more of their own calling were to be seen in Congress. It is a pity that the Granger movement so soon fell into the hands of mere politicians, for it could have accomplished vmtold good for the farm- ers, had they seen to it that it be used only as such, for it is a fact to be remembered, that the farming comnmnity has such numerical strength as to make itself felt and recognized in every department of the Government, and it only needs their intelligent action and co- operation to secure such recognition. How Many Seeds Grow. The above caption is found at the head of an article in the t>rkntilw Farmer for Septend)er. It calls attention' to the printing on each package, by the seeds, of their non-responsi- bility for any loss or damage from an.\- failure of the seeds, but that non-responsibility para- graph is not printed of the packages to cover bad seeds, as the article referred to seems to imi)ly. A number of seedsmen had been sued for damages, resulting from the .seeds not being of the variety sold, two important cases being as follows : One truck-raiser bought seeds of a variety of cauliflower, but when they came up I be- lieve they proved to be that of a Savoy (?) cabbage ; the trucker should have tried to remedy the error, as he easily could have done, i)ut instead he farmed the crop to the end and brnught m a bill of damages, laying it at so much a head for some acres of cauli- tlower, which is one of the most uncterlain crops to raise known. He knew that if al- lowed by a jury that he could make more money by damages than by a crop, and the jury awarded the damages. The seelants of the Early York variety, and on being iilanted shot up into seeds in- stead of forming heads. A suit for damages was tlu^ result, but the seedsman showed con- clusively to the court that tla^ man, being a tierman, and not used to our el iinale, sowed the seed from five to ten days too soon, and tl-.at had he sowed at tli(^ later dales the cab- bage would have headed. This being a plain case, it was decided in favor of the seedsman, as it should have been. WeS(!e thus that the seedsmen are not to be wholly blamed for their obnoxious conditions. As to the germination of the seeds there is some ground for comiilaint; the journal re- ferred to giving the results of some of the ex- periments on their germination, made by Prof. Beal, of the IMichigan Agricultiual College. The number of seeds that germinated in fo\n' different lots, from as many seedsmen, were respectively 4'.), 47, .37 and -Jli out of every hundred, which is a very bad showing. These seeds were not purchased directly from the seedsmen or they might have been better, hut were such as are sold on commission at a great many grocery stores. Speaking of these commission seeds Prof. Beal says : "They are sent around the country in the siiriiig and gathered uj) late in autumn, we presume to b(>, sent around again, in a similar manner, again and again, till they are arc all sold. He who buys them, in most cases, throws away his money." Mr. Vick says that he once saw the seedsof five different seedsmen at the door of a store in a small village. Mr. Vick says, "remarking to the mercliant that he must do a large business in seeds, we were intbrmed that lie only sold eight or ten dollars worth in_ a year." Only eight or ten dollars worth of such a iierislialile thing as seed sold out of probably fifty or a hundred dollars worth! Noljody could stand such a business as that and oiler fresh goods! Prof. Beal compares the cloverseed on the college grounds with that purchased from the best seedsmen in New York city, and claims that whil(! the college cloverseeds gave a result of 90, <\-2 and 98 per cent., resiiectively, that purchased iu New Y'ork gave only SS iier cent, in common clover. It has to be taken into consideration that the seed saved at the col- lege iirobably received a great deal more care tlian can be bestowed on the articles raised in large (luantities for conunercial purposes. I would say that 88 per cent, was a very good showing. In the grasses the result from New Y'ork seed was, timothy, i)(5 per cent. ; Hungarian grass, ()7 per cent. ; in the other grasses, from nunc at all in Kentucky blue grass up to ;)'.l per cent, in orchard grass. Grass seeds are of two kinds : 1st. Those that, like wheal, hull out of the covering or seed-pod; timothy and Hungarian grass be- long to this class; id. Those that like oats, are covered with an envelope, and most grasses belong to this latter class. Oats having a large, heavy seed the lighter kernels can be blown awav, and you have good seed oats. In what are called the grasses, the seeds are very light, and, of course, you have at all times to .sow the bad seeds with the good; l)ut, uuforumalely, this is not the worst, for in nearly all these gra.sses, where there are two or three grains with a kernel in them, you will find as many, or jierhaiis more, that have no kernels ; thi.s will be found to be the case in the very best samples, as any farmer can soon convince himself. 1 think that 23 per cent, in red top and IW per cent, in orchard gra.ss was at least a fair showing. I think Prof. Beal shoidd have called atten- tion to this fact, for some persons not know- ing this to be the casi; might make a trial and denounce a seedsman lor poor seeds, when they were the very best of that kind. Farmers should in all cases buy farm seeds near home, if possible, and from neighbors, if they have any who raise such seeds, and are known to keep their crops cleau from weed seeds. — A. B. K. PARIS LETTER. Paris, Sept. 7th, 1«78. The irrevocable tendency of civilization is from the Kast to the West. We have heard that axiom before. The movement is from sunrise to sunset ; so that, when "all earthly things .shall come lo gloom" and "the sun himself shall die," as the poet Campbell gloomily sings, it will be in tlic remotest of Occidents that fashion will exi)ire. The Palais Koyal has only exi)erieuceire it had been the residence of old .Jerome Bona- parte, ex-King of Westphalia, the brother of Napoleon I., and the consort of the ill-used Miss Paterson, of Baltimore, and whom his Imiierial nephew, not knowing very well what to do, made at last (governor of the Invalides. The old gentleman was a Waterloo num—it was his corjis that had ojiened the battle on that fatal wet morning— and he had not be- haved badlv in the fight. By the Parisians he was geueiallv, in virtue of an atrociously twisted conundrum, called " I'Oncle Tom," since it was argued. Napoleon I. being "le Grand Homme," and Najmleon III. "le Petit Homme," old .Jerome must neces- sarily stand in the relation of "Uncle Tom," or ""t'homme " to the latter. His son. Napo- leon Jerome, kept high state at the Palais Royal, gaTe good dinners and bad cigars, and hatched vain intrigues there against his cousin and benefactor, until the empire tum- bled to iiieces like a iiack of cards— cards marked by gand)lers who had lost their cun- ning and' could no longer '' sautcr le coup.y \'erv dreary must be the saloons of the Palais ]{oval Palace now. Verv dark and dismal must be the empty stables and coach-houses 154 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [October, in the court-yard adjoinina; the Galerie d'Or- leans. The ghost of the Napoleonic era is a very woe-begone one, and Bonapartism, f,U(J0,(MJ(l pounds. Tliat of France has increa.sed almost as rapidly, though the wool is finer, as a rule, and lience the superiority of the French cloths. Australia produces nearly as much wool as tlie jiarent country— Great Britain. The United States product increased from very little at the beginning of the cen- tury to about •Jdd.dOII.OIll) pounds at the pres- ent time. Of this California has ]iroduced al)out one-fourth, and the Pacific ('oast as a whole almost one-third. If the ratio of growth shown in the past prevails in the future, tlie day is not far distant when tlie Pacific coa.st will produc(! at least one-half the wool pro- duced in the United States, as not only Cali- fornia and Oregon, but also Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah and New Mexico are well adapted to its pHKhiction. The wool clip of Australia is about 2S4, 00(1,000 pounds ; that of Buenos Ayres and the river Plata, 222, ."lOO,- 000 pounds ; other countries not jireviously given, 40:!, 000,000 pound.s. The total clip of the world last year was about I,4'.i7.."i0ll,000 pounds, \vortli" $1.")0.000,000. This when scoured would yield about 825,000,000 pounds of clean wool. OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural and Horticultural Society. Tlie LaiK-astcr County Aerii'Ultural mid Horticul- tural Society held itB ref,'ular meeting on .Monday afternoon, Octolicr Tth. President Cooper called the inoetin^ to order with the followin^j meinlierp present: Calvin Cooper, I'reBident, Hird-inlland ; .loseph F. VVitiner, Seeretary, Paradise ; Daniel Sineyeh, eity; Levi W. firoff, West Karl; Henry M. Kni;)e, Marietta; C. D. Hostetter, Kden ; Johnson Miller, Warwick; S. I,cm. Fry, Kphrata; J. Hiillinirer, \Varwicl< ; Dr. S. .S. Kathvon, city; Henry Kurtz, .Mount .Joy; .1. IS. Garber, Columhia ; C. H. Linville, Salisbury; John H. Landis, Millersvllle ; William .McCoinsey, city; John .M. Stehfiian, liohrerstown ; M. D. Kemlig, Manor; CasiHT Killer, t'nnestoea ; -lohn Iletli, Willow Street ; Henry Krh, Manlieim township ; Henry Shitfncr, Leaeocli ; Levi S. Keist, Manlieim; C. L. Hunsecker, Manlieim ; Washin^on h. Hershey, Kapho; Peter S. Kelsl, I.itiz ; I. D. I.audis, city ; Walter Kietfer, city ; Clare Carpenter, city. il. M. F,U(rle, of Marietta: Dry weather has riiiened the corn ; It cut better In his district than was expected. Some of the wheat will be Irrei^ular in Its growth because of the drought. A c;ood deal of plow inj; must be done yet. liainfall for Aucust 2 14-lfi inches ; for September II4 inches. The first frost of the season was seen this roorning along the river. S. Lem. Fry, Ephrata : In conversation with far- mers and ot hers iu the northern section he learned that the corn crop turned out better than was ex- pected six weeks or two months ago. There will be more than half a crop where not half a croji was ex- pected, and considerably belter than half. One stream near Adamstown is nearly dried up. The mill near llcinhold's Station Is not able to grind grain for tlie immediate nelL'hborhood ; so at Union Station. At Hahnstown wells arc dry that have not been dry for sixty years. Some farmers go a mile to get their stock watered. The pasture is brown; he did not see a green field on his way to Lancaster. Grain is mostly sowed, and some is doing well, al- though farmers predict the hot sun will dry It up. M. D. Kcndiir, .Manor: His report was very similar to that of Mr. Fry. There Is great sulTering from the drought. He had re|Kirled half acrop of corn before, but would now report three-fourths of a crop. Grain looks yellow, and a good deal of it Is not up yet. Rainfall for September, 1 810 Inches. J. C. Linville, Salisbury : Some wheat sown three weeks ago is up right ulcelj ; that sown two weeks 156 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ October, ago comes up irregularly. The apple crop is not very good ; apples ripen sooner than usual. Farmers are well on with thrashing ; wheat has turned out well. Henry Kurtz, Mount .Joy : A good deal of grain must be sowed yet; he had not sown at all on ac- count of the drought. What wheat he had observed appeared to he growing worse daily ; it was growing up irregularly and yellow. He heard a re- port from the Susquehanna river that it is within three inches of being the lowest ever known. He knew a place in Cumberland county where it is a common thing to bring water live miles. Casper Killer, Conestoga : There is not much use in talking aHout rain. He had previously reported corn oue-fourth crop, but felt like correcting that report. We can't cultivate corn too much, and if we cultivate properly we need not fear dry weather. When he coramenecd to husk the other day, he found that he had better corn than he had had for years, and in his neighborhood there would be three-fourths of a crop. Calvin Cooper, Bird-in-Hand : He was also a be- liever in thorough cultivation. There are ten or twelve aeres adjoining his farm, some of which was cultivated and is as high as the hedge. A storm stopped the cultivation of that lot, and the difference between the cultivated and the uncultivated is very noticeable. C. F. Hostetter, Eden : In his district and even as far as Little Britain the corn is unusually good. H. M. Engle, Marietta: This season ought to teach i'armers what he has believed for years — that we should cultivate corn more thoroughly — until it is in tassel at least. Some are afraid of tearing up the roots, which might occur, but when you cultivate late you should not cultivate too deep. If corn grows wild and uncared for until earing time and then meets a dry spell it will not turn out well ; but if, as in the past season, it does uot grow much until the dry season, it will feed further than corn grown in a wet season because it will be more nutritious. Should Public Roads be Improved ? Henry Kurtz I'ead an essay on this question. They should most unquestionably. We have many roads ia this county that need improvement, and it might be done without much expense to the county by litilizing the tramps. Let each district erect a cheap boarding house, the tramps be fed there and made to work on the road. Where there is stone make a pike. Have hills leveled and valleys filled up. Many of our farmers would give the stone and haul it, if by doing so they would get roads ; they would like- wise give money and provisions to be rid of the tramps. Districts that do this would not be troubled by tramps, who would shun any place where there is work. The essayist pointed out a number of roads that might be improved, if the boroughs between which they ran would share the expense. J. C. Linville : Our roads are notoriously bad and we are all agreed that they should be better but, the great point is how to have them repaired without making the taxes too high. Some of our farmers when they discover a mud-hole, dump into it large stones, over which wagons jolt heavily and are con- siderably injured. It is very important in mending a road to break the stones into small pieces. Town- ships could not com|)el tramps to work without some legislafjon to that etfect ; utilizing them in the way suggested would be a good idea. There are a great many hills that should be graded, but he thought farmers pay tax enough now to have roads kept in a better condition. Levi W. Grotf : Oue half of the taxes paid could be saved in making roads if they were made pro- perly. They shonld he filled up in the middle, so as to keep the water off. Water does more damage than does travel. The expense would be heavy at first, but the investment would pay in the end. Jos. F. Witmer : A great mistake is made in hav- ing roads hollow in the middle and between the middle and the ditch at the side a rise, instead of having the road rise toward the middle. Water runs in the middle of the road until it comes to a break, where it turns off and certainly does con- siderable damage. As for hauling stones into mud- holes that is worse than useless, unless they are macadamized. Mud-holes could be entirely avoided by having the road high in the middle. J. C. Linville : A very common mistake is in hav- ing the road too level. Breaks should rise gradually and not go abruptly to a sharp ridge. Jacob IJollinger : Mr. Kurtz has suggested a plan which if followed out would be a good one. That too many roads are going through places where they are not needed, and it is expensive to keep them up is well known. Taxpayers should look after these things. He knew that his township supervisor had about one-third of all the taxes for his own use. He was in favor of better roads, not caring how much they cost, but the taxes should go to their proper place. J. C. Linville : Collecting of taxes should be abolished, and all county and State tax should be paid directly to the treasurer. It would be paid more promptly, and if there were any delinquents, then appoint a collector, Are County Fairs beneficial to Farmers and Fruit Growers ? This question was opened by Henry Kurtz : He was satisfied that if Lancaster county could get up a good fair it would be beneficial to farmers and cer- tainly to fruit growers. Peddlers swarm over the county selling fruit trees, showing what kind of fruit they bear by illustrations in a book. He had spent hundreds of dollars on these men, and his fruit was not now worth twenty-five cents. He had bought wonderful pears, but the fruit was not worth a fig. Here at the society he saw the fruit aud could buy of those from which it came, running no risk of being swindled. Our farmers spend thousands of dollars annually on these worthless trees. At the fair they could see every variety of fruit grown in the county, and choose the kiud of tree they will buy by the fruit they see there. These men came from New York with splendid illustrations, but their fruit when it comes is worthless. Not only is the fruit grower thus victimized, but also the farmer by the farming implement man, the cattle grower and all the rest of the traveling frauds. Daniel Smeych : They are beneficial to the fruit grower, the nursery man, the farmer and all classes of people and he thought our county should hold a fair every season. It seemed to him that the county is afraid to show its products. Farmers profit by what they see of city products, and vice versa. J. C. Linville : Farmers should be more sociable, and the best way to promote sociability is by coming together at fairs. But at these fairs, farmers gener- ally make a poor display, while the mechanics of the town make a good one. Let us have a fair, and a good display from all quarters. Horse races and side shows are not essential. None of our fairs have been noted for their success, but there is more in- terest iu such things now, and he thought the society could hold a grand fair. Other counties hold them every year, and it must certainly be profitable or they would not do it. We should have a good fair next year. S. Lem. Fry : He agreed with Mr. Linville. He did not approve of trials of speed ; they should be done away with and the premiums paid to farmers. But some of our gentlemen farmers say we can't have a fair without horse racing. And we can't have racing with $S00 or $400 premiums. And can't have the premiums without pool selling. There is another class opposed to this and soon we can't get up a fair. Calvin Cooper : He had always been loth to give any encouragement to fairs, but it was probably be- cause they have been badly managed. We see other counties, not so rich as ours, have fairs, and why should ^lot we? We have material enough to make one of the most successful exhibitions yet known. But we must have somebody to take the lead ; whether it was for this society to take the lead he did not know. He saw the fair at York, at which he was one of the judges. They look forward to it as a holiday for months before the time ; they have sociability, no drunkenness, a little horse racing, and the best of^ stock and produce. This made him think that if it was started in time we could have a splendid exhibition. H. M . Engle : York and Berks have successful ex- hibitions, every year, and why should Lancaster, the boasted garden county, stand in the shade? It is time we should be up and doing. We can't get up a successful one the first season, but we can in time. Horse racing has been spoken of ; we have a queer class of people ; some are bitterly opposed to it and others are in favor of it. He believed every tub should stand on its own bottom : if horse racing is not profitable at any place but fairs it should be stopped, and if fairs cannot be made successful with- out horse racing they should go down. One objec- tion to this society taking the lead in starting a fair is that it has no charter, and if we get into litigation we would all be at sea. Then we have no grounds, and to procure them would be expensive unless we could rent from the Park Association, and he did not see why that society shold object to receive or others to pay a fair remuneration. Wm. McComsey : He had been away for some time and visted a immber of fairs. He found every- where that each coimty had its fair grounds, some of them very beautiful and complete with all the neces- sary buildings, and all paid for. And fairs were held there year after year with the most encouraging suc- cess. Everybody looked forward to the county fair with the greatest interest ; thousands of people flocked thither and few if any who attended but re- ceived some benefit directly or indirectly. Why Lan- caster county, so far superior to the others in an agricultural point of view as well as in wealth, should be so far behind all others he was unable to say. But he found iu all the inevitable rings for trials of speed. Now whether those peojile are less ^noral than we he was unable to say. "They certainly did not show it; he saw universal good order, propriety and temperance. But the success of these fairs is achieved through long years of experience, and in conversing with the manasrers of the fairs they ad- mitted that it was an evil but seemed to think that good came from it. What is wanted is the patronage of the people. Kaces bring them to the fairs and make them a success. In order to have races, we must have premiums, and to pay premiums it is nec- essary to have a large crowd. He found a Jive spirit existing among the farmers and stock growers. Every one made it an object to excel in some particu- lar thing. This competition leads to progress and improvements here; county fairs must be and are beneficial, not only to those directly interested but to consumers. He knew many were onposed to horse-racing ; he was not au advoi/ate of it, at the same time he did not think we could get up a fair without it. He did believe if by means of them we could get up a successful fair the account would be more than balanced. Casper Hiller : One difficulty in the way is the Park Association who hold the grounds. They call themselves the Agricultural Society, and so we have two societies antagonistic to each other. If we could become reconciled there would be nodifiiculty. Calvin Cooper : He was glad to see so much in- terest excited; things look favorable now. True, the Park Association holds the grounds, but doubt- less they would be glad to lease them for a merely nominal sum. He did not see why a successful fair could not be held. .Jos. F. Witmer agreed with Mr. Cooper. There would be no difliculty in renting the grounds, but thought we should try to get grounds under our own controll. If trials of speed for horses without are- cord could he held, all right; but he objected to regular racing as at other fairs. On motion, the further discussion of the question was indefinitely postponed. New Business. Casper Hiller said he had thought that if members could bring grasses and other specimens of farm pro- duce to the rooms and form a sort of a museum it would be a pleasant task for the member^ but he had brought several fine specimens which had been carried off, and this was not very encouraging; he did not eare to bring anything, if it was not safe here. Several of the members had heard somebody in- structing the janitress that everything left in the room was her property, and thought this would ac- count for the disappearance of his articles. They thought if instructions were given that nothing of that sort would be taken. John G. liesh thought that as we had such a splendid wheat crop, each farmer should bring a specimen and it could be kept in jars. ■Jos. F. Witmer suggested that samples of all kinds of farm produce be brought in, and Mr. Fry moved that his suggestion be adopted with the amendment that each farmer bring samples from the districts not represented iu the society. Carried. Report of the Fruit Committee. The Committee on Fruit having examined all the exhibits, made the following report : Daniel Smeych : Several varieties of exotic grapes; White Syrian, weighing nearly four pounds to the buncli; White Nice aud Black Hamburg, both very fine. Native Grapes — lona, beautiful and very good; Crevling, To Kalon, Diana, Rogers No. '2S. Two seedling peaches — Both yellow fleshed; large, very good — high flavored for the season, and worthy of propagation — ripe flrst week in Octoljer. A large pear without name, has been kept until Spring, said to be excellent. Howell, Duchess, Beurre Clairgeau pears (extra fine). Mr. Zimmerman scut in some of his seedling late peaches — quality very good; a light peaeh worthy of ' propagation. Isabella grapes from Mr. Fisher. John (4. Kesh: 4 varieties of apples — York Im- perial, Dominie, Winesap, and Fallawater. Two varieties of wheat — Foltz and Canada White. Fine i chestnuts; a sample of very good corn. Hiller & Son: '2(5 varieties of apples — Griest's Win- ter, Newton Pippin, Baldwin, Jonathan, Saylor or Ned, Hubbardson Nonesuch, King of Tompkins Co., Mother, Fancy Sweet, Belmont, Ben Davis, Lancas- ter Greenintr, York Imperial, Couklin's Favorite, Northern Spy, Norton's Melon, Krauscr, English Husset, Rhode Island Greening, Dominie, Tewksbury Blush, Lady, Willow Twig, Winesap, and several for a name. Sample of corn grown in the driest season known. S. Lem. Fry, of Ephrata: Twelve varieties of j apples— Very tine, would compare favorably with Michigan and Western New York apples — Pound, Northern Spy, Smokehouse, Rambo, York Imperial, and several varieties for name. Sweet Kamho, twenty ounces. Samuel R. Hess & Son, Eph.ata, four varieties of apple— Baldwin, York, Imperial, Cumberland Seedling, one very flue, showy and promising for name, possibly twenty ounces. Casper HtLLEit, M. D. Kendig, H. M. Engle, Levi S. Reist, Committee. Several of the members made remarks compli- mentary to Mr. Smeych, and on the fruit he has introduced. Dr. S. S. Rathvon, of the committee appointed to inquire the cost of putting up shelves and tables for 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 157 tlicexliiliition of cxliibits, rcporleil Hint a foldiiiR table and a tlielf could lie erected for about ?(!. On motion, tlie report wa8 accepted and the committee instructed to have these articles jiut up. Mr. Engle's Proposition. Henry M. Ungle renewed a proposition that was made some time aj;o. Freiiuently I he society is at a loss for a suitable question for debate, and then again (picstions arc given to members which are never heard of again by reason of their neglect, lie would be one of three or four to write essays on any subject for a small premium, $;'► for the best, $- lor second and ¥1 for the third. These essays are to be submitted to a committee who will decide as to their merits, and then they will be read before the society when matter of that sort, is wanted. 8. Lcm, Fry and ,LV. Linville volunteered to enter the lists with iMr. Engle, and the essays arc to be read next mouth. The subject chosen was "Corn Culture." Calvin Cooper, the Presideut, ofTered to furnish an essay on soini- general subject. Wash. L. Ilershey, of Uapho, and Jonas Stehman, of Mouniville, were elected members of the society. Adjourned. .^ TOBACCO GROWERS' ASSOCIATION. The stated meeting of the Tobacco Growers' Asso- ciation was held Monday afternoon, Sept. Ki, in the Agricultural Society's room. The following members were present : M. D. Kendig, President, Manor ; Jacob .M . Frantz, Manor ; Sylvester Kennedy, Salisbury; Henry Shifler, Upper Leacock ; Christian L. Ilunsecker, Manheini ; J. M. Johnston, city; Clare Carpenter, city; Jacob L. Henry, Upper Ueaeock ; Jacob 11. Ilershey, West llempfield ; Frank K. Uiti'euderlTcr, city; Michael Landis, city ; Milton Uoyer, Ephrata ; John Brady, Millersville ; Dr. S. S. Kathvon, city ; Israel L. Lan- dis, city ; John M. Stehman, East Hemplield. In the absence of the regular Secretary, Jacob M. Frantz was appointed Secretary pro tern. The reading of the minutes of last meeting was, on motion, dispensed with. Crop Reports. M. D. Kendig, of Manor, said nearly all is housed except in the southeru part of the township. The crop is a very fair one, and so far is curing well. The crop in Manor is not only larger, but of a better quality than last year. The worms have damaged the crops that remained out late. There will be very little hurt by house burn, the weather being very favorable. Henry ShifTncr, of Upper Leacock, reported some tobacco still in the field, but not much. Early to- bacco is doing very well so far as curing goes, much better in fact than that which was planted later. The late tobacco is dryer and harder, and it not showing sach good colors ; it has a yellowish ten- dency which is not desirable. Tke average yield is a lair one, perhaps twelve hundr-ud pounds to the acre. The acreage, as before stated, was about three- fourths as much as last year. iThere is a great deal of large tobacco and the leaf generally is fine. Sylvester Kennedy, of Salisbury, said the crop is T'Cry nearly put away. The weather has been a little too warm to cure well. The yield has not been equal to that of last year. There have been good fields and some very inferior ones, the average falling below a good crop. Some growers have large and very line leaves, but there is much that is very light and flimEy. It seems to be curing dark, and the out- look is very favorable. The worms have been dam- aging some of the tobacco that has been hung in the barns as much as a month. Ferbaps the eggs were deposited since the tobacco has been bnng uji. Jacob M. Frantz, of Wabank, said the season has been unusually favorable for curing tobacc. He has known of no cases of pole burn. Milton Koyer, of Ejibrata, reported some still to cut. The weed is curing rapidly and well. J. H. Ilershey said the crop looks well in the sheds and seems to be doing tine. Tbeaver.tge may reach fifteen hundred pounds per acre in West llempfield. John Brady reported the crop nearly all housed. — What is still out is doing well. The tobacco seems to be curing very fast. He saw some lately that is rotting on the p»les ; it was as fine as any he has seen, and was cut in September. It hail to be taken out of the barn. He believes the tobacco barn was too nearly surrounded by other buildings and trees. He believes also the tobacco may not have been suf- ficiently willed before being hung up. Some of the Manor growers keep their barns closed in daytime and open at night. It cures darker, but it is in danger of spoiling. The general opinion of the members was that lobacco requires air in daytime. Henry Kurtz, of Mount Joy, sent in a report of his own tobacco. He had out twenty-six acres. Some measures 4(J)o inches long by 30' j broad. One field of 23 acres is very good, the season considered. An acre and a quarter planted since harvest has leaves 23 by 33 inches. A smaller lot planted on July 23d contains leaves 28 by 14' ^ inches. Renting a Room. J, M. Johnston as one of the committee to procure a permanent meeting place, said he had conferred with the Agricultural Society anIant and the manner in which it was used by the natives ; that the English, the time they were in Virginia, were accus- tomed to smoke it after the fashion of the Indians, and found many rare and wonderful examples of the virtue thereof. Having thus become known to Europe by the disc(jvery of America, it soon became extensively used among all classes of the people. At the time of the discovery of America tobacco was extensively used among the Indians, the practice of smoking being common to all tribes ; and by it they pretended to cure a great variety of diseases. Among all the various products whii'h form arti- cles of consumption by the human family, there is none which has become so widespread and universal in its use as tobacco. It is grown in almost every part of the world, and is nscd by every race and nation over the globe. But, strange asit may ajipear, it met with opposition and persecution from the kings and ciuecns and Hopes of the old world. A book was written by King James, a most supersti- tious prince, against its use, and many others of the same character were published. I'ope Urban VIII. excommunicated all who smoked tobacco in churches. f;iizabeth also prohibited the use of it in churches. In Transylvania, an ordinance was published in ItJSO, threatening those who should plant tobacco with the confiscation of their estates. The Grand Duke of Moscow and the King of Persia forbade its use under heavy penalties — the loss of the nose or even death. But all was of no avail, their subjects would snulf, chew, anil smoke tobacco; and the government financiers of England, France and Austria, soon dis- covered that as it bore very heavy importation duty, a large revenue might be raised, and to-day it is one of the principal sources of revenue in every consid- eralile government in the Old at well as in the New World. Twenty years ago, in 18.18, the Kiehmond ,Sim(/i gave the production of tobacco iu the world : Ama, pounds ' 399,900,000 Euroiie, pounds a81,'*44,500 America, i)Oimds '24n280,S00 Australia, pounds 714,000 Africa, pounds 24,300.000 Total 955,039,000 I have no statistics at liand to (how the pscsent production, but have not the least doubt that both the production and consumption of tobacco have doubled In this time. The cultivation, mamifacturc and trade in tobacco have been monopolized in most of the Stales of Europe ; and in sonu' of the governments like Eng- land seven-tenths of the tobacco that is consumed comes directly from the United States. The regula- tions of the cultivation, manufacture and trade In tobacco under the mouo|x>ly system to stimulate In- dustry and realize a large revenue to the State la Austria, France, etc.. are a chapter In modern hlB- tory well worthy of serious study. Tobacco Is extensively cultivated In various portion* of the world, and I believe that the i,oils of certain countries are better adapted by nature, and the methods of culture practiced to produce [ilants of greater perfection, than in others. The tobacco of the United Slates, it is held, Is more highly llavoreil than that of Europe; besides, Us superiority may greatly depend upon the mode of treatment ; but, perhaps, it Is owing far more to differences of soil and climate in perfecting a fine, elastic leaf with good color. It appears that the crop of tobacco for the year 187() in the United Statei amounted to 3toth in Europe and America, and that Its consumption goes on increasing in every State of Euroix*, the sub- ject of tobacco is one which deserves the considera- tion and attention of every government and country, both in respect to its cultivation, and to its use." In all the States of Europe tobacco is subjected to a heavy taxation, both direct and Indirect, and a very considerable revenue is thus obtained from It by all of them ; and there Is no other subject of general consumption more fitted for indirect taxation than tobacco, nor any which brings in so large a revenue with so little perceptible inconvenience to the con- sumer. The eullivation, manufacture and trade In tobacco in our country have produced a large demand for labor, and has been the means of a large revenue to the government as well as support to thousands of farm laborers, mechanics and merchants. And if It were manufactured to the extent it is in Europe It would all'ord employment at remunerative prices to many who are now Idle. But the future may see this changed by more ample manufacturing facilities, and instead of sending the raw or unmanufactured tobacco to Europe, wc may ship it In shape of mauu- factured suulf, cigars and chewing tobacco. Some remarks were made upon the unreliability of some of the tobacco statistics of this county and State Frank K. DilTenderfler called attention to the re- port of Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture, Thomas J. Edge, who. In his printed re|)orts, esti- mates thecropof Lancaster county for 1877 at 40,- 000,000 pounds— a most absurd statsment ; 10,000,000 pounds would be a far nearer estimate. Such estl' mates are worse than none at all. 158 THE LANCASTER FARMER. t October, Various plans were suggested to procure more ac- curate statistics of the product, but none was defl- nitely adopted. On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Hunseclcer for his able and interesting lecture. Mr. Kennedy suggested that part of the business of next meeting should be the discussion of the best means to procure the highest price for our product. This will accordingly be part of next meeting's business. There being no further business the association, on motion, adjourned. LINNiEAN SOCIETY. The Linn.'ean Society held a stated meeting on Saturday, September 28, with Vice President, Dr. T. R. Baker, in the chair. Six members present. The donations to the Museum consisted of a large jar of an assortment of fishes ; sundry bottles containing a flue specimen of a tree frog, the Hyhi nersicola, one, a small "sun-flah," I'omotis cateshii, per S. S. Kath- von ; the stomach of a " crab," from Amos Lee, city restaurant ; bottle of larv* of the pine sawfly, a Lophyrus ; per S. P. Eby.esq., bottle of tree crickets. These latter were detected in puncturing the young leaves of the tobacco plants ; these holes increase with the growth of the leaf, and are a source of con- siderable damage to the tobaceo crop — a new enemy. A fine, well-made nest of the hanging bird, " Balti- more Oriole," Icterus Baltimore. From Mr. Bletz, a portion of the minerals donated by Mrs. Kerfoot, one hundred and thirty specimens, among which are some rare minerals and fossils and Indian relics of the stone age, chieHy collected in Ireland by the late Dr. Geo. B. Kerfoot, a native of Dublin. Several fine large heads of wheat from the north of France, by Mrs. Gibbons, for inspection only. Several kinds of iron ore, collected at Pilot Knob and the Iron Mountain, by Dr. Baker, on his late visit to Missouri. To the historical department three envelopes con- fining thirty clippings, perS. S. Kathvon. Donations to the Library. The United States Coast Survey for 1875 ; Thb Lancaster Farmee, for September, 1878. Papers Read. No. 502 by J. Stauffer, with a correct colored drawing of the five-legged frog caught on Saturday, September 2l6t, by Master Wm. H. Snyder, of North Queen street, while fishing in the Couestoga near Lancaster. It was quite novelty to see it use the three posterior well-formed legs with equal facility in hopping and swimming. But, alas ! it yielded up its life from some cause and is now preserved in alco- hol, and it is hoped will be added to the collection, when the novelty is over ; this is a specimen of the Bana palustris. The Marsh frog, or as it is also called the plckeral frog, having the extra leg over the normal leg on its left side which is provided with a larger webbed foot than the other two, and with six distinct toes, instead of the normal number five and the best paddleof the three. A similar frog was caught at Rochester, New York, and is in the collection of the Lyceum of Natural History of Wil- liam College ; but that has the extra leg centrally above and between the other two. Nothing is said of having six toes, however. Prof. Kathvon read a descriptive, paper on the deposits No. 503, with re- marks on some of the minerals. Under Scientific Miscellany and Gossip, the bee question and their habits came up. Do they slit the grape or not? Circumstantial evidence was brought that they did, but no positive proof. Mus- quitos also were discussed. Mr. Kathvon stated that a large species infested the shrubby portions below Atlantic city. That, desiring to collect shells or in- sects, he was so fearfully assailed as to force him to retreat. He thought the species was called Cnlcx Damnosua. Mr. S. remarked the name is no doubt Latin, but it sounds like " bad English." Mr. S. then gave a graphic description of the sly, cunning, persevering annoyance of the musquito he had a few nights ago; how he watched, parried and skirmished on the right and left Hank, laid in wait and tried all his generalship without aval to capture his blood- thirsty opponent. Talk about instinct, he declared that liis reason was not a match for it — he had to give it up and own himself beat. Society adjourned to Saturday, Oct. 26, 1878. AGRICULTURAL. Storing Potatoes. Potato-harvesting will now soon be in order, and as the crop will be large and operations will probably begin rather earlier than usual, we offer some views upon the best mode of storing, which may possibly be of advantage to some. To store potatoes properly we have to guard against heating; for although the potato will not absolutely ferment by heat as so much vegetable matter will, a heap becomes warm enough to excite any germ fun- gus there may be in the tuber, and this exhalation maybesuflicientto cause a decay, which can be com- municated to roots in which no symptom of rot e.x ists. Moisture is favorable to heating, and hence it is best to have the potato thoroughly dry before storing, if any considerable quantity is to be put away in bulk. Thus, if they are spread on a barn-floor or other cool place out of the sun, before putting ill the root cellar, they will be safe against rotting. When potatoes are perfectly healthy there is not so much necessity for this care in drying. Hundreds of bush- els are often taken at once from the field to the cel- lar without any damage whatever resulting; and it is only in view of the possibility of rot that we tliiuk it advisable that we take the extra precaution in drying. It is well to note that a cool shed is best to dry them in, as the tubers will otherwise absorb more heat than when they come out of the ground ; and this is what we try to avoid. There is one disadvantage in drying potatoes in this way, which is always more or less connected with dry cellars, namely, the great loss from shrinkage which results. In an average dry cellar there is often as much as a loss of twenty per cent, from shrinkage. Thus, one hundred bushels stored away in a place like this in winter will give but eighty when taken out for sale in the spring. This is often as much, and sometimes more, than the advance in spring over fall prices, and is an argument often used to induce growers to sell their crop as soon as taken up, in- stead of keeping them for the spring rise. But tliis loss can be wholly avoided and the roots kept in ex- cellent condition by carefully storing in the open ground. A dry place is to be selected, where the water can run easily away, and the potatoes laid up in long narrow ridges, say about four feet wide and as long as the quantity to be protected demands. After the whole has been collected together a thin layer of straw, only thick enough to keep the earth from falling m among the potatoes, is to be put along the sides and over the tubers, and a thin layer of soil, just enough to keep the straw in place, is thrown over. It is best ncjt to throw more earth than this over at first, as the natural heat of the potatoes will accumulate, while it is the object to let it pass rapid- ly away. As soon as there is danger of frost then the potatoes should be covered thickly with soil, as the frost is certain to penetrate. In this way potatoes are preserved at a temperature but little above the freezing point, and thus guarded against heatins much, and at the same time there is little loss from evaporation ; a great point gained when the bushel measure is brought out in spring. The great objection to this old-fashioned and excel- lent plan is that we cannot get at them well in winter season ; but we are only recommending it where they are required to be kept over till spring. Where they are needed before that time a cellar is almost indispensable. Another objection is the extra labor which open-air banking takes. Perhaps the saving of ten or twenty per cent, may be a fair set-oft' to this ; but at any rate those who have got root cellars will generally run the risk in preference to the labor of the open ground. But we have referred to the excellence of the plan because some have no good root cellars, and others who have may yet fear rot and be glad to take the best precautions to guard against accident. Only those, however, which are apparently sound, should be chosen for the out-door practice ; for those which are certainly diseased will be better preserved by an occasional sorting over during the winter sea- son.— Oermanloum Telegraph. The V/agons. But few people are aware that they do wagons and carriages more injury by greasing too plentil'ully than in almost any other way. A well made wheel will endure common wear from ten to twenty-five years, if care is taken to use the right kind and proper amount of grease; but if this matter is not attended to, they will be used up in five or six years. Lard should never be used on a wagon, lor it will penetrate the hub and work its way out around the tenons of the spokes, and spoil the wheel. Tallow is the best lubricator for wood axle-trees, and castor-oil for iron. Just enough grease should be applied to the spindle of the wagon to give it a light coating ; this is better than more, for the surplus put on will work out at the ends and be forced by the shoulder bands and put washers into the hub around the outside of the boxes. To oil an iron axle-tree, first wipe the spindle clean with a cloth wet with spirits of turpen- tine, and then apply a few drops of castor-oil near the shoulder and end. One teaspoonful is amply sufficient for the whole. Let the fifth wheel of the carriage alone; if it grates tighten the nut bolt, but keep grease off from it. — Practical Farmer. ^ Farm Items. Kansas claims to be the banner State for grain this year, good judges estimating that it will send fully 35,000,000 bushels of wheat to market, or about fifty per cent, above the largest yield heretofore in any one State. California having had the honor so far, with a crop of 30,000,000 busheis. The wheat crop of the .State of California is the largest ever grown, and it is estimated that 200 British ships of large tonnage will be freighted for England before the close of the year, there being a I large fleet already at San Francisco awaiting the crop. HORTICULTURAL. How to Make a Lawn. There is nothing that will add so much to the general attractiveness of a town or country home as a properly kept plat of grass. It makes no matter how small in size it may be ; if kept cut often enough, it becomes a constant source of pleasure to the owner. In laying out new suburban places, the grass plat around the house is usually made up by sodding. This is not by any means the cheapest or best way to get a stand of grass for garden decoration. Sods for this purpose are, as a rule, cut from some worn-out pasture, neglected public "common," or may be the roadside — places where the finer qualities of grasses have, perhaps, long since been crowded out by the rank growth of the coarser sorts — grasses wholly unfitted for lawn purposes. The surest way, although it may take a longer time, is to sow the seed of an approved selection of grasses that are known to make a good turf, and that will, if fre- quently cut, give that velvety surface for which English lawns are noted. It should be clearly understood that these finer qualities of grasses will only thrive on soil in good heart. It will be time and money thrown away to sow these grasses on poor soil. The soil should be made deep, mellow and rich, by frequent stirrings and liberal applications of well rotted yard manure, bone-dust, or superphosphate of lime. These fer- tilizers should be thoroughly mixed in with the sur- face soil before the grass seed is sown. This can readily be done while smoothing and leveling the top of the ground, and then may be sown thickly the following list of grasses : Kentucky Blue Grass (Poa prateisis), Red Top {Agrostis vulgaris), SweeiScented Vernal (A7ithox- anihnm odoratutn), and Creeping Bent Grass {Agros- tis slolonifera) . These should be mixed in about equal parts, and sowed broadcast and raked in with common wooden rakes. At the same time of sowing these, sow with them a small quantity of lied Cloverseed, and scatter some common oats over the ground ; then roll the surface and remove any stones or other obstructions. The oats will germinate in a week or ten days, and if kept cut back will keep the surface green the early part of the first summer. The Red Clover will take its place in the fall, and will keep the lawn green and fresh-looking until the grass seed takes root and begins to tiller. Putting Away Winter Cabbage. Though we have seen recommended various modes of preserving cabbage through the winter, and have tried several of them, we continue to pursue the method we have generally adopted for some twenty years, and which we have frequently described in this department. It is simply to dig slight trenches side by side, on some rising or dry spot whence the water will readily drain off, in which stand the cab- bage just as it grows, sinking it up to the head. The rows can be as close together as the size of the head will admit of. Cover with cornfodder, straw or bean-haulm. Then set four posts so as to form a pitch, placing the head against a wall or board-fence. Form a roof by bean-poles, when boards are not at hand, and cover this with cornstalks or straw. If ordinarily well done, the cabbage will keep as long as is desired — we have usually kept ours until April and May. We are aware that it is generally recom- mended to plaoe the heads of the cabbage in the ground with the stalks sticking up. But having tried this way, we found that the cabbage kept better and fresher as we recommend. To prove this we have had cole-slaw in May. — Oermantown Telegraph. The Coffee Tree in California. Heretofore few people would concede that the coffee tree could be grown in San Diego county, and scarcely any one would admit that it would attain any state of perfection in bearing fruit, claiming that it required a warmer climate. This, like many other incorrect impressions, has been entertained by those who have not experimented, and simply came to conclusions for want of proof to the contrary. The fact has been proved now, and the trees can be seen in bloom in the garden of Mr. R. R. Morrison, in this city, showing as thrifty a growth and requiring as little care as the orange, lemon, olive, or the fig which stands in the same garden. This is the first experiment and a success, and it would be well for our citizens to try with other classes of trees that are now considered only suited to the tropics, when, perhaps, several varieties will be found well suited t» this climate and soil. Mr. Morrison has been ex- perimenting for over three years on tropical trees, procuring the seed from central Mexico, and has other kinds fiourishing and, to all appearances, thoroughly acclimated, one of which is the Anon or custard apple. Both these trees are evergreen and have beautiful foliage, the coffee tree leaves always appearing as though varnished, and being much finer than those of the India-rubber tree.— (San Diego (_Cal.) Union. 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 159 DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Household Receipts. An Excei-i.f.nt Desskkt. — .\o cxopllpnt dish for deeeert, which ia a favorite one in a family of ourac- qiiaiiitaiK-e, is marie of tapioca ami apples. The apples al-e pfcpafed as for stewiiiK and plaeeil in a deep dish with a proper quantity of tapioea whieh has been slightly softened by soakinj;. Sugar is added to sweeten it and to prevent the fruit from be- coming too soft, and the whole is tlicn balr some cows two acres of p;t.8furage are sutlicient. Mr. Farring- ton, in the report of the Aiperican Dairymen's Aeso ciatfon, thinks that, on an average, four acres are required per cow, for summer and winter keep; while .Mr. X. A.Willard thinks that in Herkimer county. New York, one and a half to two ai'res of pasture per cow will answer, and in some exceptional cases one acre. The Management of Horses. They should be fed in proportion to their work. An idle team may be wintered upon good hay alone ; when working lightly a feed of grain at noon will be sutlicient, with hay morning aud night. With heavy work, ten quarts of ground corn and oats, and chaffed straw or cornfodder, will be good feeding, and in many cases for small horses less will do. Good grooming is necessary for health in winter. Ground gypsum spread upon the floors will prevent the pungent odor common to stables. This vapor of ammonia is hurtful to horses' eyes and the frequent cause of oidithalmia, and resulting in blindness, with which so many horses are troubled. Throw a few pailsful of water upon the floor first, and then scatter around a shovelful of the gypsum. Fresh air should enter the stables at the bottom and the foul air e8ca[)e at the top. Make small sliding doors for ventilation and cover them with wire netting on laths, to exclude vermin. — Agriculturist. Raising Colts. There is a crude notion prevailing that hardships make young stock hardy. A colt that is weaned in the fall, as is commonly the case, should not be allowed to become poor in its first winter. It is true that it will often improve so rapidly in spring that its wretched condition during the winter will seem really to have been an advantage to it, but this is a grave mistake. If the same condition were imposed during the whole period of growth the effect would be very perceptible. Although the summer may in some degree remove the effect of winter, no animal so treated ever becomes what it might have been in size, symmetry of form and usefulness, by generous treatment. I believe that there is profit iu breeding nice carriage and draft horses. As a general rule it costs no more to raise a good colt than a poor one, while the former will bring two or three times as much as tlie latter. I have seen colts that were ke]it in a stable dark as a cellar. A dark stable is a poor place to keep a colt. — Ohio Farmer. The Guernsey Cattle, Of course from the island of (Juernsey, in the Eng- lish channel — arc looming up as something super- excellent. They partake largelyof the good qualities of the Jersey and Alderney,and this Is saying enough for them. The eliannri cattle have long enjoyed much popularity in jiortioni of the United States, and well they deserve to. In beauty, symmetry, richness of milk and excellence of butter they are unsurpassed. There are many other breeds pro- ducing much larger amounts of milk and even but- ter, but the (piality ami color are far inferior. For home consumption they cannot be equaled. Within a few weeks failures to the amount of over a million of dollars have been recorded among the stock-breeders of the famous blue-grass country of Kentucky. The truth is the blue-grass products were of a fancy kind — blooded horses. Shorthorned cattle, and prime whisky — and the hard times de- creasi'd their value. There is always sale for steers at ?.iO to $(50 each, or for substantial farm horses at twice that price, but there are few customers in this country now for yearling Shorthorns at $2(1,000 each, or race horses at fancy values. Advicf.9 from Bengal to England state that cattle are dying in such numbers there from epidemic dis- ease that strcamB are choked with the carcasses. POULTRY. Hen Hints. The following llenis of Interest to |V)uItry keepers are collected from the I'outtri/ Wnrltt : Clear rye kraii, aloni'. should never be fid to fowls, on account of Its swcdiing ami caking, in mass, In the ero|i ami proving fatal to chicken life, not lufre- qin-ntly. It will thus sodden ami Increase In bulk very rapiilly before digesting— eauhing rupture of the croji— If any great (pmnlity has beeneatiii. A nelgh- lior, we recollect, in a hurrii'd way mixed a large pan full with water and plaeeil the mess before a nice flock of three-quarters grown chickens, leaving (hem to enjoy the feed at their leisure, lie drove away In his wagon, and after an absence of a lew hours re- turned to find his birds scattered about, dead, In his yards. It is very good when mixed with wheat bran and oatmeal, or eornmeal. But by Itself it should not be fed to fowl stock Fiiw Is drink water freely, but they know just how mueli they need, and when they have access to the fluid clean, sweet and fresh they Imbibe no more than is good for them. It is, therefore, unnecessary to mix your dough to thin and sloppv at the morning feeding. Have the meal well scalded, and feed the mixture to the stock stiff and dry eoniparalively. This feed should, generaJIy, be composed of both corn and rye meal, with vegetables — say one-third each. In our own practice we have found this preferable, both for the birds and as an economical provision for the old or the growing stock. A littl** pepp«r ticca- sionally in this dough, aud always salt, will Improve the mess. Calves' and sheep's lights and livers, wklch can always be obtained in the market-houses for a few cents ajiiece, are valuable to feed fowls, for two reasons. They are devoid of bones, and they closely resemble insect diet. We advise the cooking of any sort of meat food always. These "harslets" (or those of swine) should be boiled, seasoned with salt and pepper, and fed, say twice a week, to fowls where they can be had handily. For laying hens, when confined in winter, this change of food from constant grain-feeding is excellent. For young stock, where the chickens are confined tosmall runsor close cages, this meat, chopped up and mixed three limes a week H tth their soft food, will help the younglings won- derfully. Care of Poultry. The care that poultry is entillsd to, to make It profitable, is not near so much as one would think. It is just like any other business — it needs daily at- tention, not only one day iu the month, but each and every day. If you expect a cow to be profitable you attend to feeding her regularly, give her good, comfortable quarters, to protect her from cold, storms, etc. Now the poultry should have as favorable treat- ment as any other stock. Construct houses, not too large, as you will permit too many to crowd together. They should be about S feet wide and 1(! feet long, to accommodate each a llock of fifty fowls, fronting to the south, with large windows, so placed that the fowls may enjoy as much sunlight as possible. Have it perfectly ti:.'ht and dry, excepting means for ample ventilation, without a possibility of a direct draft reaching the fowls at night after going to roost. A fowl will take cold while asleep as easily as a per- son. Keep the roosting apartment clean ; sprinkle a liitle air-slaked lime and dry ashes under the perch ; have the house thoroughly whitewashed Inside three or four times a year. See that they have free access to plenty of pure, fresh water at all times ; don't force them to drink the drainage from the baruyani ; many cases of cholera have been caused by this. A few drops of sulphate of iron put In their drinking vessels occa- sionally will be a benefit. Sprinkle the [icrches with coal oil and scatter sulphur In their nests and dust- ing boxes. .Many fowls die from severe colds received by roost- ing in cx|K)sed places. Of course every fowl that dies, it is said, had the cholera, when probably half of them were affected in this way. — I'uiillry Arijut. We commend the above short article to the careful perusal of our farmer friends. It is short and to the point. We have often read articles filling two or three pages, containing not so much gooil, practical com- mon sense advice as the above.- ItV«/cr« AijricuUnritl. Charcoal for Fowls. There is one thing which nature does not supply and which civilization renders quite necessary to fowls. It is eharcoal. Charcoal made of wood does not answer the purpose; it has no laslr for food, Is not attractive to the fowl and Is seldom eaten. But If anyone will put an ear of ripe corn Into the fire until the grains are well charred, and then shell off the corn and throw II to the llock lie will see an eager- ness devclojied and a healthy constitution brought about which will make a decided improvement. AH pale combs will become a bright red, that busy song whieh precedes laying will be heard, and the average yield of ejjgs will begreally Increased. — lltrmaulown Telegraph. 160 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [October, 1879. DAIRY. Dairy products. The importance of the ilairy interest has long been recognized in tiie older States, and many large farms are conducted almost entirely with the object of pro- ducing mainly butter and cheese. The Western States are of late awakenmg to the knowledge of the value of these products, and their farmers are now making much more of it than they formerly did. A few years ago, the Middle .States were almost alone in this industry ; not only did they supply themselves and export to Europe, but they actually supplied the western cities, St. Louis, for instance, with butter, »fcc. But as we have said, this condition of things has changed, and now the West and Northwest send away an enormous amount of butter and cheese, amounting in 1S76 to 12,7s9,000 pounds of butter, and lH,7(iG,000 pounds of cheese, the value of which was $16,000,000, and this trade is increasing every year, To show the great strides our country has made in cheese making, we give the following figures : In the year 1800, we exported 913,84S pounds ; in 1850, 13,000,000 pounds ; in 1870, 57,000,000 pounds ; and in 1876, 97,000,000, in round numbers. An assortment of crops and varied interests have always paid best in the long run, and it is never wise to be seduced by the high price of this or tliat pro- duct, and leave all else for it. Small but steady gains is the safest rule. But there is a practical side to this butter and cheese interest which does not appear to everyone. There are profitable agricultural products in any part of the country, but, where transportation is high, as it usually is in the Western States, it is much better to turn grass and grain into butter and cheese as less costly to transport. It is freight rates that take off a large portion of the farmer's profits. But railroads they must have ; indeed, without them to transport, it would be prac- tically useless to raise any more than enough for themselves, but their own interests will be served by sending the various products from their farms in the smallest space possible. The system recommended is also more beBCficial to the land, adding greatly to its fertility. A thousand pounds of butter or cheese is about the product of ten thousand pounds of grain or grass. Fifteen car loads of corn are but equal in vahie to one of cheese, and thirty car loads to one of butler, so that in the matter of transportation costs, the differ- ence can be seen at once. In Europe, a good cow will produce from seventy to one hundred and eighty pounds of butter a year, varying according to the country, being the former figures in Holland, and the latter in England. As every farmer knows the grazing capacity of his farm, the amount of butter he annually produces, can be readily known. " American Cheese " is now so much sought for in Europe, that it forms part of the weekly cargo taken out by the American Line Steamers from Philadel- phia to Liverpool, and the active demand seems likely to continue. It thus seems that the interest in this subject observed io the Northeastern and Western States is well timed, and will be likely to add materially to their prosperity. ENTOMOLOGICAL. Packing Butter. Those who pack butter should be careful to choose vessels made of sound, sweet wood. The scalding and soaking before use should be very thoroughly attended to. The wood should be completely satu- rated with brine ; then sprinkle a thin layer of salt on the bottom, and spread a cloth over it. Pack full, carefully pressing the butter in, beginning the pressure at the centre and extending outward at the sides, so as to expel all the air. Leave room at the top for a thin layer of salt. Cover with pure brine, put on the cover of the tub, or put in the head of the firkin, as the case may be, and set the package aw.ay in a cool, dry, dark place, free from all offensive odors. Examine, at intervals, to see that the brine has not soaked away or evaporated, and be sure and keep the butter covered with it. Butter properly made, and so kept, will remain sweet a long time. — Aniericaji Dairyman. Another bad season for the dairy farmer is re- ported trom Scotland. The staple product of the dairy districts of Scotland is cheese, and that has fallen even lower than at any period since the Crimean war. From 4.5s. to 52s. has been the common price, and only lately has 56 per cwt. been noted. The first prize lot at the Dumfries meeting of the Highland Society has been sold at an exceptionally high rate, 6^'6. Butter has not sold so badly, while the large towns have, to use the language of a contemporary, " been literally deluged witb milk." The Hessian Fly in Wheat. The farmers of New York were seriously alarmed last autnmn at the appearance of the fly in their wheat. A correspondent of one of our exchanges wrote : "Winterwlieat here is turning yellow, and on examin.ation, about the first of October, we found an insect about an eighth of an inch long near tlie root (Hessian fly, I presume). Now the insect is brown and looks like a seed of some kind. Will it do any more damage this year ? Will it turn to a fly and do damage in the spring ? Will wheat that was sowed late this fall and has none in it be troubled with them in spring? Please give its manner of operating from September first till next year, and oblige." The editor answered : *'The insect described is the Hessian fly, now in what is called its flaxseed condition. Much of the damaged wheat will die this fall, and more will break down when in the straw about earing time. L.ate sown wheat will escape. In the spring the wheat plant is too far grown to be injured. We would sug- gest that atop-dressing of two hundred pounds per acre of sulphate of soda (glauber salts), ground very tine, or eommon salt, be sown on the wheat in dry weather. The maggot is driven away by soot ; the bitter taste of that substance is the active agent ; the soda salts is bitter enough and m.ay be as effective as the soot. If our wheat were affected we should try it." The subject was also before the Elmira Farmers' Club. It was remarked that appearances indicated serious loss in the next wheat crop, through the rav- ages of this pest, against which there seemed to be no certain means of prevention. President Hoffman said: "The Hessian By deposits its eggs on the leaf soon afterthc wheat comes up, and later if the opera- tions are not checked by frost. When tlie plants are strong, as they should be on good ground and in a growing season, such as this, the injury effected by the larv.T? is less, I suppose, than it would be to weak plants. I find in my wheat the injury is greater in plants that came up early than in later ones. I be- lieve we cannot prevent the mischief this fall ; and I think it is not of so much consequence as that which will be inflicted next spring. The habit of the fly is to hay tlie eggs in the fall, from which the present trouble has come. In the spring these larvie will develop into the perfect fly, and there will be a new crop of eggs to hatch and work greater mischief. How that can be prevented I do not know. It is cer- tain th.at the wheat is endangered. In looking over my field a short time ago I found on pulling up stools that some stalks were untouched and others were already nearly destroyed. I pulled one stool with three tillers, one of which was dead; another had fourteen of the larva^ imbedded in it, and the remain- ing one was uninjured. Another stool had two stalks, and I believe there were fifty of the pests in them, al- though I did not count. On this field, where wheat was sowed after wheat, I thought the plants infested worse were those which had come from the seed drop- ped from the last crop. The land was ploughed just after the harvest and cultivated well afterward, but it is probable that the scatteriug seed from the crop had not all grown until the final sowing, and that it was then in condition to appear earlier and to be at- tacked first by the fly. It is said that late sowing is better than early in seasons when the fly is trouble- some, but in such a season as this even late sowed wheat makes enough top to take damage. I found eggs deposited on the leaves while the larvae were at work below." He I FBRS intended for the dairy should not have meal mtil after their second calf, and not then until the calf is at least ten days old, and in small quanti- ties at first, LITERARY AND PERSONAL. R.W. Mercer's Natural History. Store, 292}^ Wade street, Cincinnati, Ohio. Naturalist's Leisure Hour and Monthly Bulle- tin for September, 1878 ; 50 cents a year. A. E. Foote, V12-i Belmont avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. Hemple's Improved Patent Steel Quoins. J. A. Isaacs, general agent, 176 Chamber street, N. Y. Peerless Railway Threshng MAOHiNE9.-"Be8t ever made," manufactured by Minard Harder, Coble- skill, New York. RornESTER Commercial Nurseries, established in 18:i0 ; twenty years under the present, proprietor. Wm. S. Little's semi-annual circular of wholesale prices for the autumn of 1878. Semi-annual wholes.ale trade list of Niagara Nurseries for the fall of 1878. E. Moody & Sons, proprietors, Lockport, New York. Established in 1839. West Jersey Nurseries, established in 1851. De- scriptive circular and price list of small fruits, plants, Ac, &c. Gibson cS; Bennett, nurserymen and fruit- growers, Woodbury, New Jersey ; for fall of }878. The Illustrated Almanac for 1879. — A royal octavo of 36 pages in substantial paper covers, with 14 superb illustration*, 12 of which are full page, containing all the usual almanac matter, together with choice literary selections. The material and execution is A, No. 1. Issued by the Case, Lockwood &, Brainard Co., Hartford, Conn., and designed as a holiday gift advertising medium, Wholesale price list of grapevines, evergreens, cherry stocks, tree seedlings, high grade apple seeds, miignolia, tulip poplar and other tree seeds in quan- tity, &c., for 1878 and 1879. J. Jenkins, Winona, Ohio. Monthly Reports of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture for May, June, July and August, 1878. A royal octavo of 58 pages, with two full page maps and other illustrative diagrams. Full of statistical details. The developm»nt of this young State is wonderful and might be imitated by older communi- ties with credit. Quarterly Report of the Pennsylvania State Board of Agriculture for June, July and August, 1878. A royal octavo of 48 pages in paper covers ; material and execution first quality, and of general, local and statistical matter on subjects relating to the agricultural, commereial and domestic interest of the great State of Pennsylvania, in which the en- tire country is concerned. The State Board appears to be the "livest" institution within our borders, and is worthy of the fostering care of our Legislators. We call the special attention of our scientific readers — and all others who take any interest in ob- jects of vcrtu — to the card of Dr. A. E. Foote, in our advertising columns. His establishment is at No. 1223 Belmont avenue, Philadelphia. The Dr. is, per- haps, doing more to popularize science and impress its facts upon the minds of men, through the estab- lishment of a great retail depot of minerals, shells, fossils, ifcc, than any other man in the country. His specimens are accurately labelled, and his prices very reasonable and worthy of patronage. Life and Health, "Physical, mental, moral." Edited and published by Thos. F. Hicks, A.M.M.D. One volume (six numbers) for 30 cents. Werners- ville, near Reading, Pa. This is an exceedingly well- executed 8 page royal 4to, and full of matter on sub- jects relating to its specialty. No. 1, Vol. 1, is be- fore us, which indicates that it is a new enterprise. If a "vacancy" for it exists we opine this publication will amply fill it if the first number is an average of those which are to follow it. Of course physical health is the basis of a true human development, but this journal recognizes the fact that "man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proeeed- eth out of the mouth of God," and that there is a moral and spiritual nature that needs a physician, as well as a physical one. Harper's Magazine for November beautifully concludes a beautiful volume. The number opens with a bright little paper de- scribing a " Free Kindergarten " in New York city, with exquisite pictures by Miss Curtis, of real chil- dren involved in the enchantments of Froebel's won- derful system. As if to contrast the children of barbarism with those of civilization, the same number contains a ; very interesting and attractively illustrated paper by j Henry W. Elliott on " Wild Babies," from Alaska to j the Gulf. The quaint style of Abbey's Illustration has had no j better illustration than in " The Fire-Wizard," which | Mrs. Helen S. Conant has happily rendered from an] old German ballad. The typography of the poem isj a part of the illustration itself. To show the versatility of Abbey's pencil, ahlyl supplemented by engraving of the highest order, wei need only to turn from the German ballad to the J three illustrations of "Melanie,"an excellent story j by Clara F. Morse. William Gibson's poem, "The Valley of thej Yomouri," is finely illustrated by Moran. With the single exception of the paper on David j Teniers — fifth in the series of " Old Flemish Mas- ters"— the illustrated articles in this number are all J American. Mr. Benjamin's description of theSeaj Islands off our South Atlantic coast is full of inter- esting legend and romance, associated with this] unique congeries of islands, and is accompanied by! twenty-four beautiful illustrations. 1 John Muir, who has often enriched the pages ofl Harper with his admirable studies of ths Sierras,! contributes to this number an exceedingly interesting J and well-illustrated paper on the New Sequoia For- ests of California. ■ ^ Edwin P. Whipple's paper, "Some Recollections of! Rufus Choate," will not disappoint the large number T of readers who have been looking forward to its pub-| lication. It is full of characteristic anecdotes, giv- ing also a critical estimate of this eminent lawyer| and statesman. Black's ".Macleod of Dare" and Hardy's "The Re- turn of the Native" — the two best serials of thej year — are continued; and there are two excellent,! short stories besides "Melanie," already mentioned. These are, "Angelique's Novitiate," by Kate P. Os- good, and "The Thousand and Third Night," by G. D. Carrow. , Prof. Tayler Lewis's "The Power and Pathos Ofl Euripides "—a posthumous paper — will prove of es- j pecial interest to all readers who admire the strongl examples furnished by ancient classical literature. 1 The Editorial Departments are as interesting anij j entertaining as usual. THE LANCASTER FARMER> iir. HOME GUEST trial for throe iiioiiMis. TliP Home (U^KST 14 (U'cliired the bent family imju^r now publishcil. Each inimlicr contniiie an illUBtruted FiiRhion Hepiirlnipnt, a dopart- iiifnt on Writing; ami Priimanebiii. edited by Prof. Oaskfll, uIbo a rulunm of Chat ^^i^^gmmm^^m witli ltoa free. ^W wO 4)^w Address Stin=;on & Co., Portland, Maine. 10-*2-ly' LISTEN TO THE MOCKING BIRD,-The ■prairie Whistle and Animal ImitJitorcaU be used by a child. It is made to imitate the song of every liird, tlie neigti of a horse, the bray of an ass, the grunt of a liog; birds, beasts and snakes are euchantea and entrapped by It. Is Hsed by Billy Birch, Charley \^^llte, and all the Minstrels and Warb- lers. Ventriloquism can be learned in three days by its aid. Sent upon receipt of lo cts., s for 25 cts., 7 for 50 cts. 15 for t\. Address, J. W. COTTKELL & CO., 218 Fulton Street, New York. 30-5-1 m ■1 /^ pictures of actresses and singers sent for in cents. -IKJ National Monthtv, Washington, D. C. J. STAUFFER, LANCASTER, I'ENN'A. 235 EAST ORANGE ST. All matters appertaining to UNITED STATES or CANA- DIAN PATENTS. TRADE MARKS, and COPYRIGHTS. pronjptly attended to. His experience, success and faithful atention to the interests of those who engage his services are fully acknowledged and appreciated. Preliminary examinations made for him by a reliable Aa •eiatant at Waahingtou, without extra charge for drawing ■or description. [9-l.tf Ir. Pru-ed (iilaliiMiieH Hfiil iiM tolloWHi i\i>. j, FrullH »lth colorrU phile (new edllloi.), lA et- ; pain, |0 •t'*- No.*^, Ornamental Tnis, etr . wii'i plate. **.'i vt^. ; ptiiln. I .'i , r;it;i!i.-u'- Nt., I.aiii*».st4>r, Pa. PATENTS Uowe & Co. B<»X 174 Washington, D. C. Scribner's Lumber and Log-Book. OVER HALF A MILLION SOLD. The most .omplete l)ouk of its kind ever jiublinhfil. Gives corn-ct meas- urement of all kinds of lumber, Wgs and plank by Uoyle's Rule, cubical contents of square and round tnnber, stave and heading bolt tables, wages, rent, board, cajiaciiy of cisterns, cord-wood tables, intereHt, etc. Standard Book throughout United States and Canada, Ask your bookseller for it, or I will send one for 35 cents, post-paid. 10-a-3mj p. O. Box 23S, Rorh«ftt«r, X. T. 1760. ESTABLISSED 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO, 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE BUILDING HARDWARE, «I.ANN, PAINTS, OILS, PUMPS, TERRA com, IRON anJLMl) PIPE, LEATHER BELTING, SEEDS, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. Ag:eut8 for the " Ohio " Reaper and Mower, Whann's Phosphate, Fairbank'a Scales, Dupont's Powder, Harrisburg Nails, &c., &o, Vto bave tlio l.irgest BtocK of general Hardware In th. Stnte, and our ]iriceB are as low and termu as liberal an can l)i> found elsewhere. 9-1-lf, GOOD BOOKS FiiH TIIK Farm, Garden, and Household. The following is a list of Valuable Books, which will be supplied by the Editor of the Lancasteu Kakmer, No. lol North yueen St. Any one or more of these )x>ok8 will be sent poM paid to any of our readers on receipt of th» regular price which is named against oach book. Alleu's (K. L. k L. V.] New American Farm Book $2 60 Allen's (L. F.) American Cuttle.* 2 60 Atwood's Country and Suburban Houses 160 Bommer's method of Making Manures 85 Breck's New Book of Flowers .. 1 75 Brill's Farm-Gardening and Seed-Growing 100 Dadd's Modern Horse Doctor, |2nio I iO Dadd's American Cattle Doctor, 12 ino 1 50 Flax Culture, (Seven Prize Kssays by practical growers,) 80 Fuller's Grape CMilturist 1 60 Fuller's Small Fruit Culturist 166 Fulton's Peach Culture 1 60 Gregory on Squashes paper.. B9 Harris on the llg 160 Henderson's Gardening forPlejiaure 1 60 Henderson's Gardening for Profit 1 60 Henderson's Practical Floriculture 1 60 Herbert's Hmts to Horse- Keei>or« , 175 Hop Culture. By nine experienced cultivators 90 Hunterand Trapper 100 Onions— How to Raise them Profitably 30 Our Farm of Four Acr^a. Pa,, 30c.; Clc, 60c., Ex. clo. 1 00 Parsons on the Hose 160 t^uinby's Mysteries of Be*-Keoping 100 Quiucy (Hon. Josiah) on Soiling Cattle 1 35 Quinn's Money in 1 he Garden 1 60 Qninn's Pear Culture for Profit, 1 00 Riley's Potato Peats Paper 50 cts.; oloth., 75 Roe's Play and Profit in my Garden 1 60 Stewart's Irrigaton for the Farm, Garden vud Orchard I 60 Stewart's Stable Bw.k 1 50 Stewart's Shejiberd's Manual 160 Stoddard's Ann Kgg Farm paper, SO cts.; cloth 75 Thomas's Farm Implemeuta and Machinery 1 DO Tim Bunker Papers , or, Yankee Farming 160 Tobacco Culture. By fourti-eu experienced cultivators. 25 Waring's Draining for Profit and Health 1 60 Waring'H Elements of Agriculture 1 00 White's Cranberrj- Culture 1 M Wright 'h Praetieiil Poultry-Keeper' 2 00 DWIN 4LDENO adveriisin&/\aG3ENCYvJ . 174 elm street. CrNClNJ*ATI. OHIO. Adrertisementa inserted in any paper. Before advertisipg eendjbr my catalogue, IV. THESLANCASTR FARMER. [October, 1878 «OTTT OF T770IIK." SONG AND CHQRUS, BY ALICE IIA"WTHORN"E. Author of "Listen to the Mocking Bird," "I'll sail the seas over," " What ie Home without a Mother," etc., etc, " Out of work, without a penny, Pleading hel before thy door, Without frieuds among the many — Look with i>ity on the poor." * , * One of the most touching and beautifnl ballads ever written, will give the author a more extended popularity than anything she haB ever written. Price 35 cents — or, illustrated title page 40 cents. For sale at all muaic stores, or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers, J. M. STODDART & CO., 9-9 723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. ESTABLISHED 1832. G. SENER & SONS, ; Manufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and finished The best Sawed SHINGI^ES iu the country. Also Sash, Doors, Bhnds, Mouldings, &c. PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING and PATENT BLINDS, which are far surerior to any other. Also beat COAL constantly on hand. OFFICE AND YARD : Northeast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts., r.A3SrC^STER, FA^. 9-1-ly THE THREE POTATOES. £ARI.T OHIO.— Earlier than Early Rose. Ranked by general consent, iu earhness, yield and quality combined at the head of all the early potatoes. BURBAIVK.— Medium late; a prodigious cropper; flesh remarkiibly white ; quality excellent. DUNM:e3 Thoroughbred Short-Horn Cattle; Bred and For Sale by the undersigned. OF THE BEST MILKING STRAINS, and at prices to suit the times. Herd open to iispection by strangers at all times (Sundays excepted.) I will be pleased to show my herd to visitors, and any information in regard to the cattle will cheerfully be given, by letter, as desired. No. 221 CHURCH STREET lO-2-ly] A. M. RANK, Bird-in-Hand, Lancaeter co., Pa. « IMPORTERS, BREEDERS and SHIPPERS of THOROUGH-BRED LIVE STOCK. Jersey and Ayr- shire Cattle and Calves, of the richest butter and milk stock. Southdown and Cotswold Sheep and Lambs unsurpassed. Premium Chester White Pigs, York- shire Pig.s of best importations, (see cut herewith from life) Berkshire Pigs, (sired by the famous Im- ported Prize Boar, The Collier, and out of other im- ported noted boars and sows), Essex and Poland China Pigs — all of the best Strains. Send for ^elegant new illustrated catalogue. Sigh. Class Ziand <& "Water Foth^Is of all varieties. Fowls, Chicks and Eggs for hatching always for Sale at Low Prices, considering the high qual- ity, and reputation of our stock. Also Fancy Pigeons, Thorough-bred and Sportings Dogs. and Breeder's Manual is just out! 25,000 copies will be mailed FREE to Farmers and Breed- ers sending us their addresses. It is brimfull, of reliable descriptions, numerous large and handsome cuts from life of our best animals and Fowls ; is elegantly printed on tinted paper, and is without doubt the handsomest free catalogue of stock ever issued. We wish every reader of the Lancaster Farmer would write foracopy. It will cost nothing. Address as above. MINERALS, SCIENTIFIC AND MEDICAL BOOKS, SHELLS, FOSSILS, BIRDS' EGGS, And all objects of NATURAL HISTORY are bought, sold and exchanged By A. E. FOOTE, M .D., 1223 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. SpecimeDB Beat to any part of the world by mail Specimen copy of an illustrated monthly bulletin of 16 pages sent free. Subscriptiou ."jO cents a year; for club rates see each monthly Issue. I received the highest award given to any cue at the Centennial Exposition for 1876, and the only award and medal given to any American for *' Collection of Minerals. " My Mineralugical Catalogue of 50 pages is distributed free to all customers, to others on receipt of 10 cents. It ia profusely illustrated, and the printer and engraver charged me about $90il,00 before a copy was struck off. By means of the table of species and accompanying tables most species may be verihed. The price list is an excellent check list, containing the names of all the species and the more common varieties, arranged alphabetically and preceded by the species number. The species number indicates the place of any mineral in the table of species; after it will be found the 8pecie< name, comiiosition, streak or lustre, cleavage or fracture, hardness, specific gravity, fusibility and crystal- lization. I have very many species not on the price list , and some that I had in 1876,are no longer iu stock. COLLECTIONS OF MINERALS For Stiideiits, Amateurs, Profcssars, Pbysicians, »nd otber Professional 9Ien. The coUectioBB of 100 illustrate all the priucipal species and all the grand subdivlsione in Dana and other works on Mineralogy; every Crystalline System; all the principal Ores and Miuerala in which have been found every known Element, The coUlectious are labeled with printed label that can only be removed by soaking. The labels of the $5.00 and higher priced collections give Dana's species number, the name, locality, and in moat cases, the composition of th© Mineral. All collections accompanied by my Illustrated Catalogue and table of Bpecies. The sizes given are average ; Bome smaller, many larger. Ndmbir of Specimens. 25 in box $ 50 1 60 60 in box 100 inkoi 100 200 300 11 00 3 00 $1 50 6 00 $1 00 5 00 10 00 25 00 60 00 $2 00 10 00 25 00 60 00 150 00 $3 00 25 00 50 00- 100 00 College size, 3!« x6 in., Shelf Specimens 300 00 I have now over thirty-five tons, and over $40,000 worth of Minerals mostly crystallized, in stock. It is well recog- nized that my pjices are lower and my specimens more accurately labeled thau those of any other dealer in th» country. This is mainly due to the immense stock I carry (the largest in minerals of any In the country) and my system of printed labels attached to the specimens. I can refer to the following Gentlemen and Colleges, all of whom, with th jusands of others, have bought specimens of me; most of them have given me especial permission to use their names as reference. Prof S r Baird Prof P. V. Hayden; Dr. Joseph Leidy, Prof. F. A. Genth, Prof. J. D. and E. S. Dana, Prof. G. J- Brush Prof. J P Cooke, Prof. N. H. Winchell, Prof. S. P. Peckham, Prof. T. Eggleston, Prof. J. S. Newberry, Prof. C. F- Chandler Prof E H Richards, Mrs. Prof. Ellen 8. Richards, Prof. Maria S. Eaton, Prof. T. Sterry Hunt, Prof. Henry How Vvm S Vaux, C.S Bemeut, N. Spang, T. A. Green, Prof. J. W. Mallett, Prof. E. A. Smith, Prof. J. Lawrence Smith Prof. G. A. Koenig, Dr. T, M. Chatard, Ph. D„ Prof. H. B. Cornwall, Prof. P. T. Austen, Laureuco Malheire, Lis- bon Portugal; Prof. Ortou, Prof. Ira Kemsen, General A. Gadolin, Imp. School of Mines, St. Petersburg, Russia ; Prof A E Nordenschiold Royal Museum, Stockholm, Sweden ; Dr. Nicjlo Moreira, Imperial Museum, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -'British Museum, Koyal Museum, Berlin ; Dr. P. E. Defferari, Italy ; Harvard TJnibersity, University of Minne- sota Yale College, Wisconsin Universitv, Columbia College, Michigan University, Wellesley College, Illmois Industrial University Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Col. School of Mines, University of Virginia, University of Missouri, Rutger's College University of Notre Dame, Princeton College, University of Nashville, Johns Hopkins University, University of Georgia, Waco University, Texas ; University of Ohio, and many others in Mississippi, Alabama, Oregon, Washington Territory, California, Iowa, Canada, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Kentueky, Ohili, England, Brazil, Germany, Australia, &c., &c. Catalogue of 2,600 species of Shells, made for me by Geo. W. Tryon, Jr., who has labeled nearly a 11 my shells. Sets., printed on heavy paper with genus label list 10 cts. I have purchased one or two of the most celebrated collections " — '-- and 30,0itG specimens of Shells and Corals ' ' ' "- — •- --- - gue of Books, Natural History, including Z- c, 16 pp., 3 cts. Geology, Mineralogy, Mini _ Surveys, Travels, &c., 16 pp., 3 cts. Chemistry, Physic*, Astronomy, Meteorology, &c., 16 pp„ 3 cts. A large Fossils and Rooks. Plants, Ferns and Algae en ha«d. While I have made Mineralogy a specialty, as is evinced by the huudredfi of thousands of specimens of Amazon Stone, Rntile, Brookite. Perofskite, Amethyst, Smoky Quartz, Green Wavellite Gothite, Variscite, &c , &c., that I have sent all over the world at from one-half to one-tenth the price they were ever sold at before,: furnish coUections of Shells. Rocks.&c, at nearly as low rates. Th« Society for the Bncourage- meut 01 Studies at Home has for a long time recommended their corsespoodents to get their collections of Bocks ana Minerals of me. As the correct naming of the specimens will be the important point to most persons, I feel jiiatihea m mentioning that I have be^n a coUector of Minerals for fifteen years ; that I was a student under Prof. \S olcott GibM. »' Cambridge, and Prof. A. Hofffiian, at Berlin. I was also Instructor at Michigan University, and Professor in the lowa S. A. College in Chemistry and Mmeralogy for six yeaas. Send for the "Naturalist's Leisure Hoar," giving full particulars. Specimen copy free. Ton will confers double favor by handing this to some physician, or other person interested in science. A. E. FOOTE, M. D., 1233 BELMONT AVE., PHILADELPHIA, PA., Professor of Clicnilstry •nd MIneralogry, Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science ; Life Member of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, and of the American Museum 10-ie-3m] of Natural History, Central Park, New York. $1 a Year {^° Bubecrlbers In the ctniiity. SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS. To eubRcribora out of llie cuuitty. } $1.00 Prof. S. S. KATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., NOVEMBER 15, 1878. UNNSUS EATHVON, Publisher. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. An Appeal, ------- 161 Galley-Worms vs. Wire-Worms, - . - 161 Queries and Answers, ----- 163 The Vegetable Wax, ----- 162 A Gigantic Puff-Ball, ----- 162 Autumn Leaves and Ferns, - - - - 162 November, - --.-.. 162 Sharpless Seedling Strawberry, - - - 163 The Hessian Fly, ------ 163 Essay, -------- 164 A Chapter on Pennsylvania Snakes, - - 164 Are County Fairs Beneficial to Farmers and Fruit- Growers, ------- 164 The Rochester Grape, ----- 165 What is to be Done, ------ 165 The Comparative Exhaustive Powers of the Cereals, ------- 166 Cornstalk Molasses — A. B. Good, - - - 167 Random Thoughts, No. 6— vl.iJ. 5"., - - 167 Asclepias Tuberosa — J. Staujler, - - - 168 Rise and Progress of Bee Culture, - - 168 OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural and Horticultural Society, - - - 170 Keport of ComDiitteee — Crop Reports — Rending of EssayB — New Busiuess — Report of the Fruit Com- mittee— BusiueSB lor Next Meetiug. Tobacco Growers' Association, - - - 171 Shall we Disbaud — How Can we Get the Best Prices for Our Tobicco — Place of Meetiug — An Expla- uatiuu. Bee-Keepers' Association, - . - - 171 The Bee-Keepers* Profits — Wintering Bees — Do Bees Sting Fruit— Freezing Bees — Foundation for Comb. Linnffian Society, ------ 172 Donations to the Museum — Historical CoUectioQB — Donations to Library — Papers Read. Fulton Farmers' Club, ----- 173 Questions A-sked and Answered — Afternoon Ses- sion— Literary Exercisps— Discussions. AGRICULTURAL. Fall Plowing, - - 173 Depth to Sow Wlieat, ----- 173 Exports of Breadstuffs, ----- 173 Autumn Top-Dressing, ----- 173 The Business of Farming, - - . - 173 HORTICULTURAL. Covering the Vines and Plants, - - - 173 Our Great Apple Ciop, ----- 173 Largest Orchard in the World, - - - 173 Curious Fact About Potato Seed, - - - 174 Saving Cabbages Till Spring, . - . 174 Preserving Grapes, - - - - - -174 Quinces, ------ . 174 Feeding Apples, - ' - - - - - 174 The Peach Borer, ----- 174 DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Storing Turnips, ------ 174 The Best is Always Demanded, . - . 174 Hams, - - ; 174 Frying Kaw Potatoes, Scotch Shortbread, - - - Household Receipts, LIVE STOCK. Horses With and Without Shoes, Judging Draft Horses, - - - A Study of Sheep, - - - Dishorning Cattle, - - - POULTRY. Making Poultry Pay, Game Fowls, - - - - The Guinea Fowl, About Canary Birds, The American Bird Trade, Mateing Fowls for Breeding, Literary and Personal, 174 174 174 175 175 175 175 175 175 175 176 176 176 176 MONEYS RECEIVED. The following is a list of persons who paid their subscription during the month for The Farmek, which I hope will be sufficient, as I cannot afford to send each subscriber a receipt, it requiring a three- cent stamp for each one so sent. William N. Noble, Christiana, - - - 51 00 John M. Clark, Altooua, 100 H. N. Kehler, Columbia, - - - - 1 00 John S. Kemper, Akron, - - - - - 1 00 H. M. North, Columbia, - - - - 2 00 William K. Seltzer, Ephrata, - - - - 2 00 William Sommers, (iap, - - - - 1 75 Henry Myers, Farinersville, - - - - 1 00 Caleb P. McGowan, Christiana, - - - 1 00 Dr. A.P. Garber, Columbia, - - - -100 Abraham Koycr, Akron, - - - - 1 00 UITPRECEDEITTED u'rorap™, s'edhugs. Evergreens, etc., etc. Send (or Cat.iIof,'ue. J. JENKINS. 10-9-4m] WINOXA. Columbiana County, Ohio. 1878 iSPRIAG AND SIMMEK. 1878 RATHVON & FISHER'S CHEAP CLOTHING STORE, Cornff Sortli <|ucpn and Orange Sts., LANCASTER, PA. Good all wool Business Suits from $12 to $20 Fine Cloth or Worsted Dress Suits, 15 to 20 Fine Cassimere Pants, - - 4 to 10 Fine Vests, - - - - -3 to 6 CUSTOM WORK A SPECIALTY, and satisfaction guaranteed. READY MADE CLOTtjING And Furnishing Goods of all kindti, very cheap. Cottonades as low a§ $2.&0 a »ult. Clot he, CagRimereH, WorBtiugB, Snttings, Coatings aud VeBtingB in a full Hue, and maile itromptly to order, KATHVON & FISHER, X878 PRACTICAL TAILORS. 3.878 THE FARMERS HOME ORGAN. |llg |ancajter lamer; A MONTHLY JOURNAL, DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI- CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND MISCELLANY. PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY Made a prominent feature, with upccial reference to the wants of the Farmer, the Gardener aud Fruit-Grower. Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Edited Toy Prof. S. S. EATHVON. The Farmer will be itubliBhed on the ISth of every moutU, printed on good jiajter with clear tyjie, in con- venient fomi for reading and binding, aud mailed to sub- scribers on the following TERMS: To subscribers reaidiug within the county — One Copy, one year, ------ $t.0O Six Copies, one year, - ----- 5.00 Ten Copies, one year. ------- 7.50 To subscrtberB outside of Lancaster county, including postage pre-paid by the publishers: One Copy, one year, - - - _ . . $1.25 Five Copies, one year, _ , . . . . 5.00 All subBcriptiouB will commence with the January Dum- ber unlesa otherwise ordereil. All ooininiiiiicationB iutendeubItBher of the last two volumes assumed the responsibilities of its publi- cation, it was with a determination to make such improre- nientB as would i>tuce the farmer's organ of thiK great agri- cultural county in the very front rank of agricultural Jour- ualiBiu. That this has been aeoirmpllshed wu think our readers will bear cheerful testimony. If reasonably sus- tained, our aim is to make it still more iniereHtmg and in- structive under ts new proprietorshli). In Ihts. howe%yer, we need the co-operation of every friend of the euterpriat?. The contributions of our able editor, Prof. Kathton, on subjects connected with the science of farming, and parllo- ularly that Ki^ecialty of which he ]b so thoroughly a master — entomological science-some knowledge of which has become a necesitity to the Buceessful farmer, are alone worth mudi more than the price of this publication. LINNyEUS RATHVON, 9 North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pa. RATF.S OF ADVERTISINO — Ten Cento m line Tor each lni»ertlon. Twelve lilies to the ludi n. THE LANCASTER FARMER. PEXNSYE.VANIA RAILROAD Trains leave the Depot in this city, WE TWARD. Pacific Express" Way Paesengert Niagara Express Col. Accommodatiou Mail traiu via Mt. Joy No. "2 via Columbia Sunday Mail Taet Liue". , , Frederick Accommodation Harrisburg Accom Columbia Accommodation. Harrisburg Express , Pittsburg Express , Cincinnati Express* , scHEnuLi:. as follows : EASTWAKD, Atlantic Express" Philadelphia Expreast , Harrisburg Express , Colnmbia Accommodation. Pacific Express* Sunday Mail Johnstown Express , Day Express* , Harrisburg Accom Leave Arrive Lancaster. Harrisburg. 2:40 a. m. 4:05 a. m. 4:50 a. m. 7:50 a. m. 9.35 a. m. 10:40 a. m. 7:20 p. ni. Col. 8:00 11. m Il:a0a. m. 1:00 p. m. 11:20 a. m. 1:25 p. m. 11:20 a. in. 1:30 p. m. 2:10 p. m. 3:25 p. m. 2:15p.m. Col. 2:45 p. m 6:00 p. m. 8:10 p. m. T:20 p. m. Col. 8:00 p. m. 7:25 p.m. 8:40 p. m. 9:25 p. m. 10:50 p. m. 11:30 p.m. 12:45 a. m. Lancaster. Philadelphia. 12:30 a. m. 3:00 a. m. 4:10 a. m. 7:00 a. m. 7:35 a. m. 10:00 a. m. 9.28 p. m. 12:30 p. m. 1:20 p. m. 3:45 p.m. 2:00 p. m. 5:00 p. m. 3:05 p. m. 6:00 p. m. 5:1S p. m. 7:20 p. m. 5:50 p. m. 9:00 p. m. The Hanover Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a. m., and will run through to Hanover. The Frederick Accommodation, west, connects at Lancas- ter with Fast Line, west, at 2:10 p. m.. and runs to Frederick. The Pacific Express, east, on Sunday, when flagged, will stop at Middletown, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy and Laudis- Tille. *The only trains which run daily. tRuns daily, except Monday. Rates Af Aflverli»iiii$f in tlie Farmer. 1 in. 3 iu. 4 in. j 5 in. Sin. $1.00 2 00 2.50 3.00 4.50 6.00 9.00 $2.00 4.00 4.60 6.00 9.00 12.00 18.00 $ 3.00 6.00 6.75 9.00 13.50 IS. 00 27.00 $ 4.00 « li.OO $ 8.00 2 nio 8.00 10.00 12.00 18.00 24.00 .31!. 00 12,00 13. bU 18.00 27.00 36.011 .54.00 16.00 18.00 24.00 6 mo 36.00 8 mo 48.00 72 00 J^^Spjecial and h usiness notices 15 cents per line M. HABERBUSH, MANOFACTUREE OF Plain and Fine Harness, SADDI,E!i. COLLARS, "WHIPS, TLY NETS, &c., .\LSO DE.\LEK IN TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS, BUFALO EOBES, Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, Gloves, &c.. No. 30 Penn Square, lO-l-ly LANCASTER, PA. STOP AND READ ALL FORMS OF Kidnejand Urinary Diseases^ Pains in the Back, Sides and loins, are positively cured by Craxit's K-exnedy, itB effects are truly marvelous iu Dropsy, Gravel, Bright's disease, Seminal losses. Leucorrhoea, and lost vigor, no matter of how long standing the case may he, iJOBSilive relief is had in from one to three days. Dojuot desiiair, hesi- tate or doubt for it is really a specidc and never fails. It is purely a vegetable preparation, by its timely use thousands of cases that have been considered Incurable by the most eminent Physicians have been permanently cured. It is also indorsed by the regular Physician and Medical Societies throughout the country. Sold in bottles at Two dollars each or three bottles, which is enough to cure the most aggravated case, sent to any address on receipt of Five dollars. Small trial bottles O.-je dollar each. AU orders to be addressed to Grant's Remedy Manufacturing Co., 554 aiain St., Worcester, DIass. 10-7-4m. Z THE IMPROVED remingtom Sewing Machine 1. — Makes a perfect lock stich, alike on both sides, on all kinds 0/ goods. S-— Runs Light, Smooth, Noiseless and Rapid. 3. — DuKABLE -Runs for years without Repair. 4. — Will do alt varieties of Work and Fancy Stitching in a superior niann'rr. 5. — \?, Most Easily managed hy the operator. Length of stitch may be altered while running, and machine can be threaded without passing thread through holes. 6. — Design Simple, Ingenious, Elegant. Forming the stitch -without the use of Cog Wheel Gears, Rotary Cams, or Lever Arms. H-^ \\v^ Automatic Drop Feed, which insures uniform length of stitch at any speed. Has our new Thread Controller, which allows easy movement of needle bar and prevents injury to thread. 7. — Construction tnoU careful and Finished. It is manu- factured by the 7«rfi/ .r^////«/rt«£/ experienced mechanics, at the celebrated REMI^fOTO^T 4RM<>RY. Ilion, N. Y. Attention is called to our greatly reduced prices. 8. — The No. 2 Remington Machine for Manufacturing and Family use has been recently improved, and is offered to the public with the assurance that it will give entire satisfaction. ARMORY: ILION, N. Y. PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 218 and 283 Broadway, New York lO-9-ly] CATALOGUE i?^s EVERYTHING FUJI THE GARDEN Numberiug 175 P-igfs, %vith Colored Plate, S£NT FRUE To our customers of past years, aud to all purchasers of our books, either GABDENIN3 FOR PROFIT, PRACTICAL FLORIOULTUES, Or GARDBNINa FOR PLEASURE. Price $'.50 each, prepaid, by mail, To others, on receipt of 25c. Pl.iiu Plant or Seed Catalogues, without Plate, free to all. PETER HENDERSON & CO., Seedsmen, Market Gardeners and Florists, 35 Cortlandt St., N. T. 9-7-ly] ADVERTISING. $1.00O TTOKTH FOR $$7.50. The cheapest ;iih1 best way to reach readers outside of the large cities is by usiug oue or more of our six lists of over 1,000 newspapers, divided to cover different sec- tious ot the country. Weekly rireulaiion o\er 600.000. AdvsrtisemeutB received for oue or more lists. For catalogues coutaluing names of papers, and other iu- form;ition aud for estimates, address BEALS & FOSTER. 41 Park Eow (Times Bailding), New York. CHRONIC I>ih-eases Cured. New paths marked out by that plaiuest of all books — "Plain Home Talk aud Medical Common Sense," — nearly 1,000 page«, 200 illustrations, by Dr. E. B. Foote, of 1*20 Lexington Ave., N. Y. Purchasers of this Book are at liberty to roM-tu/e its author in person or by mail free. Price by mail $3.25 for ihe Stanf/avd ediMon, or $1,50 foi the ;»o/>«'«** edition, which contains all the same mattei and illustrations. Contents tables free. Agents Wanted MURRAY HILL PUBLISHING CO , 9-10-ly 129 East 2Sth St. N. Y. E. N. 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PATENTS obtained for new iuveutiona, or for improvements on old ones, for medical Or other compounds, trademarks and labels. Caveats, Assignments, Interferences, Appeals, Suits for Infringements, and all cases arising under the Patent L*aws,prom]>tly attended to. Inventions that have been T? t7TT7r""FTTri by the Patent Office Xv IZ^ J iL K^ L LL, J-V may still, iu most Cises, be patented by us. Being opposite theU. S. Patent Department, and engaged in Patent busi- ness exclusively, we can make closer searches, and secure Patents more promptly, and with broader claims, than those who are remote from Washington. T "NT \ 7X7X11^/^1? C seitl us a model or i i\ V X_^i\ i WXVO sketch of your device; we make examinations aud advise as to patentability, free of oharsfe. AU correspondence strictly confidential. Prices low, and NO t'HAROE UXI.ESS PATEXT IS SE- CURED. , .^ We refer in Washington, to Hon. Postmaster General U. M. Key, Rev. F. D. Power, The German-American National Bank, to officials in the U. S. Patent Office, and to Senators and Representatives In Congress; and especially to our clients in every State in the Union and in Canada. Address C. A. SNOW A CO., 9-10-] Opposite Patent Office, Washinghon^ D. C. The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. UATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., NOVEMBER, 1878. Vol. Z. No. 11. AM APPEAL. It is with feelings of iiuqualilled regret, mingled with much anxiety of mind, that the publisher of The F.\miKR is compelled to •again call the attention of its patrons to their unpaid subscriptions and other pecuniary obligations. We are largely indebted for necessary material and labor, and we have no other resource from which to obtain the means to meet the demands against us save from our subscribers and advertisers. The amount due us from each is but small indeed, and will fall lightly upon them, wliilst in the aggregate it is large to us, and our failure to realize it must overwhelm us in financial dis- aster. For nearly two years we have been thrusting our hands into our pockets and deahng out all that came into them, in the payment of bills involved in our publication, and now we find them entirely exhausted and large balances against us still unpaid and due. We have been a very slave during the last twenty months in the service of The Farjiek, and if we obtained every penny due us we would hardly realize the wages of a common street scavenger above our una- voidable expenses. When we assumed the responsibilities of publicaiion we did so hopefully and with a determination to do our best ; and we also supposed we should at least be able to in- demnify the editor (who has toiled so long without remuneration,) for the i)aper, ink, stamps, envelopes, and "midnight oil" ex- hausted in his labors, but we have not done anything of the kind for the want of means. Dear patrons, think of these things, and remember the absolute necessities of the PlTliLISHEK. G-ALLEY-WORMS vs. WIRE-WORMS. The Miiricipods — or at least that jiortion of them which are included in tlie division MiUepefJen — are sometimes erroneously called "Wire-worms." It is not judicious to have two very different animals by the same com- mon name. It only creates confusion, and more absolutely necessitates the use of scien- tific names, a thing that is repulsive to many peo])le in reading essays and descriptions in "popular science." Wirr-wnrvis a.re generally understood to be the htrvrr, form of certain species of " Cliek-l)eetles," (Elatei;id.b,) also called " Skiji-iaoks " and " Ilamraer- bugs," and by the Germans "Schuel-kaferen." They are loner, cylindrical, t.ipering moderate- ly at each end ; from whitisli to various sliades of brown in color, the cuticle hard and pol- ished, easily slipping through the fingers, or Into the earth or debris wherever thoy may be foimd. They have short, sharp and stout jaws, and only six feet, two on each of the three anterior rinss of the body, these rings never exceeding thirteen in number. This form, however, is not characteristic of the whole family, for many of them have (lattened bodies, and have an extra foot, or one or two spines, at the bind end of the body. The larger nmnber of them — ))erhaps four-fifths of them — are wood-l)orers, hut thev mostly con- fine their depredations to dead or decaying wood. The same species mav be found in different kinds of decayed wood, immediately under the bark. They often attack young corn, wheat, rye and other cereal vegetation in the siiring and early sununer ; also turnijjs, mangcl-wurtzel, potatoes and cabbages, as well as garden (lowers. Mr. Curtis, a distin- guislied English entomologist, de.scribes 7i) species of beetles inhabiting England, which are the parents of "wire-wornis. " Their eggs are very minute, and it is not certainly known whether tliey deposit these eggs in the earth or in tlie base of the young plants they infest. Wlien the young Wire-worm lir.st issues from the egg it is almost invisible to the naked eye, but some attain linally to an Incli or more in lengtli ; and what is still more discouraging, they live from three to live years in the larvie or feeding state, so that those which have not been destroyed this year are likely to make their appearance jigain next year, feeding in the meantime on other vegetation or old wood, and hibernating during the winter. The "Meal-Worm" is sometimes confounded with, and called the Wire-JVorm; but the former is larger, rounder, smootlier, harder and of a darker color, and dirt'ers in other re- spects, especially in not having the anal fool, forceps or spines. When winters are very mild the Wire-Worms may destroy the wheat during the winter. On light lands they do the most mischief, from March to .June ; but Hronij lomn and clay is most free from them. Although wet seasons may not destroy Wire- Worms, yet it will prevent the beetles from depositing their eggs. Soot and lime are said to kill tlie worms ; and it is recommended to burn the rubbish on summer falkno, as it will kill the eggs and starve the worms. Kefuse lime from gas works is particularly recom- mended as a remedy against these worms. They are also killed by applications of chloride of lime water, nitrate of soda or salt, on light sandy soils. Sliced potatoes, pieces of turnip, cabbage, beet-root, parsnij), carrot or apple stuck into the ground will attract them, and then they may be destroyed by hand-picking, which is after all the best remedy. But robins, thrushes, blackbirds, partridges, ducks, tur- keys and liarnyard fowls will pick them up in plowed fields. Moles, frogs, toads and lizards al.so feed on them ; and lastly, they also be- come infested by a parasitic "Ichneumon Fly." Seeing that they are so omnivorous in their feeding habits, it would not be at all surprising to find them feeding on the tobacco l)lants. They are known to be partial to let- tuce in kitchen gardens. Be it remembered, particularly, that when disturbed they will attempt to escape by crawling into the ground and Secreting themselves. The larvre of Agriates, Ulutcr, Atlwiis and Agri/pnus are the most common Wire- Worms of the wheat, oats, barley and rye, but there are .several species that belong to each of the foregoing genera. So much for the true Wire- Worm. The Millepedes, or "Galley- Worms," be- long to a dillerent class of animals, and are not ]iroperly included in the order Insecta. Tliey are never transformed into beetles or any other kind of insects, but remain Galley- Worms to the end of their days. They never attempt to make their escape when they are disturi)ed, but coil themselves up into a spiral or a ring, and lay over on their sides. Al- though their external integument is hard, yet it is more brittle, and not so tough as that of tlie true Wire-Worm ; they have also more rings, but tliey are shorter, and each has four feet attaclied to it on the under side. But none of tlie species have a tliousand feet, as the term mille2icdc imiilies. Our largest species in Lancaster county {Spirabolus marginalus). is about fIantsfor S2.0() ; twenty for $3.00 ; fifty for J.^.OO; one liundred for $8. Pot-grown plants may be obtaineil for .SH.OO per dozen, or S12.00 jier hundred, but cannot be sent by mail. From our illustration and the following description our readers may form almost as practical an idea of this maw- ficent fruit as if they had the berry actually before them. Size. — Large to very large, an average speci- men measuring one and a half inches in diame^ tor, cither way. A speci- men exhibited at tlie Nurserymen's Conven- tion, held in Rocliester, N. Y., in June, 1878, weighed one and a half ounces and measured seven inches in circum- ference. Form. — Gen- erally oblong, narrow- ing to the apex, irregu- lar, often flattened. Color. — Clear light red, with a smooth, shining surfiicc. Flesh. — Fine, sweet, with delicate aroma, fr.^t in quality. Plant. — Vigorous and luxuriant, hardy and prolific. The ]>arties having this berry under culti- vation and for sale say : "This variety having fruited with us several seasons we have no hesi- tation in reconnnending it as the largest and best .strawberry now in cul- tivation. The plant is vigorous, hardy a n d luxuriant, surpassing in this respect even the Monnrrh of (he TFfs(,-" and in corroboration of this an intelligent cor- respondent of the Coiiii- try -Genthman, from Catawissa, Pa., the original home of the "Sharpless." vouch- safes a most elaborat e and emphatic endorse- ment ; and the veteran editor himself remarks : "The Sharj^less excited nuich attention at the Rochester Convention, on account of its enor- mous size, .some of the largest berries weigliing about an oimce and a half eatli. " Some speci- mens of this berry have been known to measure nine and a half inches in circumference, but of course it is not pretended that this size is anything like an average, nor yet a very com- mon occurrence, nor yet is it essential that it should be, in order to give character to it, for independent of its size, it possesses a combina- tion of (jualities rarely found in any other variety of the strawberry. Finally, altliough we need not care much where a fruit origi- nates, provided it can adapt itself to our soil and climate, yet it may be flattering to our State i>i-ide to know that this variety is due to Pennsylvania. THE HESSIAN FLY. In the first annual rejwrt of the Pennsyl- vania Board of Agriculture, Prof. S. S. Kath- von, of Lancaster county, has the following summary of the characteristics of the great pest of the wheat grower : 1. The preponderating weight of evidence .seems to be, that the Hessian fly (CtcAdinnyiir. dealruelor,) was introduced into America from the Continent of Europe during the American llevolution, or about one hundred years ago. 2. It belongs to a family of "Gall Gnats," belonging to to the order of Diptcrn, which includes all the various two-winged flies. 3. Then; are least tivo broods in the latitude of Pennsylvania ; and further south there Please send in your back subscriptions, as we are badly in need of money to pay the printer. may be three or more broods, owing to longer summers, earlier springs, later autumns and a more rapid development. 4. The second brood— and the main brood with whicli the farmer can contend — deposits its eggs on the blades of the young wheat dur- ing the months of August and September, and some retarded individuals may delay it even into the month of October. .5. This deposition of eggs by the second brood lays the foundation for the first brood, which will make its appearance in fly form at the end of April or the beginning of May, the following season. 0. The first brood deposits its eggs on the j'oung wheat, rye, barley, or oats, during the month of May; its first preference being wheat. 7. The eggs thus dciiosited by the first brood develop the second or sumniei- brood, which makes its appearance in Augu.st and September in the fly form, when it deposits eggs on any young wheat that may be above ground, or, in the absence of wheat, it mi- grates, or deposits on other cereal vegetation. 8. As this is really tin; only brood that it is necessary to circumvent— for with its destruc- tion a subsequent brood would be impossible — therefore farmers should harvest as early as po-ssible, leave a long stubble, turn it deeply down with a subsoiler, or burn it off with fire. 9. If they neglect or decline to do this, then they should not sow the fall crop before the l.'Jth of October, and if the crop i)rovcs "back- ward," thou bring it orward by fertilizers and cultivation in the fol- lowing spring ; or, lU. If they have not done this, and the crop is found to be badly in- fested, then turn it under with the plow, harrow it and roll it, and put in a crop of spring wheat the next .season. 11. By the first of De- ' ember the fly, or rather the maggot, the first, or \\ inter brood, will have assumed the impervious ■llaxseed" form, after which no external ap- plication could be of much avail, and in this form it is able to stand the rigorsof the severest winter. 12. By the 1st of No- vember, and still more so by the first of Decem- ber— if the autiunn has been favorable to the growth of the wheat — the Hessian fly, in what- ever form it may be at that period, (excepting the possible fly-form,) will be located on the stalk sufliciently far above its original loca- tion to fall a prey to sheeii or cattle tliat may be put to pasture in the wheat fields. Tiiercfore, if the wheat is vigorous enough to bear this pas- turing, and is still in- fested by the tly, in this manner enough of them may be destroyed to obviate the uecessity of turning the crop down with the plow, and a reasonable yield may be the result. 13. If any liepud, dust or powder should be used to kill the young larva of the fly— whether those known now, or those that may be dis- covered hereafter — they should be applied before the insect assumes the flaxseed form ; for, as that condition seems to be expressly designed for the protection of the insect from contingencies and casual- ties, after tliat i)eriod external applications could have but little eflect. 14. All precautions, circumventions, inter- ventions, or external ajiplications should be simultaneous and general in the insect-infected district, or the results can only be partial, temporary, and limited or local. 15. By cutting the grain close to the ground many of the summer brood are carried to the bani or stack, beyond tlie reach of remedy, and from which the fly would emerge before it is threshed, (and might even pass through a machine without injury,) and in this manner it has been circulated throughout the coimtry. 164 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ November, ESSAY.* Mr. President : As material objects con- stitute the plane and continent upon which the various visible operations of the human mind are based; and as there can be no prac- tical manifestation of mind unless it is ulti- mated in a visible and tangiljle form ; it oc- curs to me, and it has often recurred to my mind during the past history of this society, that it might conduce to its welfare and cre- ate a centre of interest if the members would from time to time collect, carefully preserve, and place on deposit in its meeting room, creditable specimens of the vegetable and min- eral productions of the farm. Of course I do not mean such specimens as are perishable, but the various species of garden and tield seeds, the various kinds of nuts, seed pods and capsules; the useless and noxious, as well as the useful. And, where practicable, this might be extended to the foliage and wood of the different trees and shrubbery, to the grasses and the various kinds of plants. These woulil form a kind i if museum that might at all tim es be consulted with interest and profit, especially by the generations that are to fol- low us on the theatre of life. There is no more effective teaching than object teaching. A fact fixed in the mind by having seen and handled the object it includes is far superior and a thousand times more impressive and permanent tlian any merely theoretical or speculative knowledge. But as the collection and concentration of these objects would in- volve labor — more time and labor than any one man cotild devote to it without compen- sation— I would suggest that each member, who has an object that he desires to deposit in the collection of the society, should properly prepare it, in order to secure its permanent preservation, and also attach his name and locality thereto ; and if practicable, the name of the object or any other record he desires to make. AH seeds should be ripe, thoroughly dried, and placed in glass bottles laermetically sealed. Plants should be pressed and dried, and placed in an Herbarium or Botanical portfolio provided for their reception. Eacli member performing tliese labors, as time and opportunity aftbrds. would divide the labor among many, and although only a little were done at a time, these littles, in the aggregate, would finally culminate in much. Any of the members of the society who visited the Cen- tennial Exposition must have noticed the manner in which the various kinds of seeds were prepared and preserved, and, although he may not be able to imitate them, yet he may be able to make an approximation thereto, if he tries. There is another question relating to the interests of this society, however, which is, or ought to be, of more importance than a col- lection of seeds and other farm products, and that is its legnl existence. A district of such vast agricultural and minei'al resources as Lancaster county ought to sustain a perma- nent organization that is incorporated, and "a body politic in law." It is true, an act of incorporation alone would exercise very little sustaining influence if it was not aided by the co-operation of its memliers ; Ijut these two interests working together would give it more sufHciency and pe'rmanency,and add greatly to its importiance as an organization among the people. The members will have a clearer sense of the responsiljilities resting upon them ; it would become more compact in its organic structure, and its powers and limita- tions would be more distinctly defined. Agriculture is too important a factor in the constitution of human society, to be without an organic body to represent its interests among the people. The farmers of Lancaster county now occupy a more advanced position before tlie State and the nation than they did ten or twelve years ago, or at the time this society was first instituted. They have be- come better known to their co-laborers in the cause of agriculture elsewhere ; and their social condition has made a very perceptible "Read before the Lancaster County Agriculturat and Eorticaltnral Society, Not. 4, I3T8, by S. S, Rathvoh. progress. This society ought not now to re- lapse into apathy, or to occupy a non-pro- gressive status. Even with its loose and dis- jointed structure, it has sustained itself man- fully through a trying ordeal in the history of our country that may not occur again for many years, if we cultivate wisdom enough to profit by our past experiences. The darkest hour is said to be that which immediately precedes the breaking forth of day, and I think we have reason to hope, as we have so far advanced through our past adversities, "that a brighter day is dawning. What- ever other interests may sufter, the farmer has the consolation of knowing tliat he is the feeder of the people, and that to "tlie last stretch that fainting life may sustain," there will still be a demand for the productions of the soil ; and under the dispensations of Providence, he must ever stand as tlie divinely- appointed caterer to the physical necessities of his fellow-man. The farmer is, therefore, not only the founder of civilization, but his occupation and the fruits thereof constitute the very ground-work upon which the con- tinuance of civilization is possible. Occupying this position, theu, he can best co-operate with other essential interests through a live and efficient social organization. A CHAPTER ON PENNSYLVANIA SNAKES. A terrible affair occurred at Williamsburg, Blair county, on Wednesday, resulting in the horrible death of an accomplished young lady. Some days ago Dr. Paulhamus bought of a couple of tramps two specimens of the rare poisonous reptiles known as "blowing vipers," intending to send them to the Zoological Gar- den in Pliiladelphia. On entering the oflSce witli his daughter the next evening he lighted a lamp and soon after an owl flew in and knocked over the lamp, breaking the jar. Miss Paulhamus screamed and fainted, one of the vipers having fastened his fangs on her leg near the knee. A gentleman bravely choked the reptile and killed it. But the poison rapidly coursed through her system, her body swelling rapidly to nearly twice its natural size, and she soon died in spite of all efforts. The snakes were about four feet long. The above statement, cut from a paper, was sent me with request to give my opinion on the subject. I will simply say that writers who are not fiimiliar with proper names often make use of names that in different localities refer to different things. The not rare and not poisonous reptiles known as "Blowing Viper," is the Heterodon plateyrhinos. There are six species of this genus described. Prof. S. P. Baird and Girard, say : " The species exhibit a very threatening appearance when alive, in flattening the head, hissing violently, etc., but are perfectly harmless." Dr. Robinson sent me a fine specimen, some years ago, which became quite a pet among the boys that visited the Athenaeum library, of which I had charge. When api)roached it would not only flatten the head but the entire body, and blow loud enough to frighten any one not aware of the cowardly dodge. The moment it was picked up it was as docile as a dove, and no iimount of teasing vv'ould induce it even to open its mouth and expose its minute teeth and inability to bite. It has no fangs and can do no harm. There is evidently a serious misnomer or a gotten-up story, with- out foundation, by one who knew not what he was writing about. The "copperhead," Agkistrodon coyitortrix, is provided with poison fiings, as in Crotalus, the rattlesnakes, which are also provided with rattles on tlie caudal extremity. Tliere are several species of the several genera of poison- ous reptiles, but none of them is called "Blow- ing Viper; this name applies to the. "hog- nose " class. Some years ago I had a report of a poison- ous reptile that made a loud hissing noise and also flattened itself, also called the blowing viper. I sent the matter to Prof. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institute : he concluded it must have been quite another genus if it had poisoned fangs. I suspect the snake in ques- tion, if such an occurence took place, was a copperhead or bastard rattlesnake. The " Water Moccasin " — Toxicophis phci- vorus — a southern species, has fangs. I never met with the species, nor heard of any caught north of Carolina. The JElaps, also a southern genus, have the upper jaw furnished on each side with a small, permently erect fang. In short, we have no snakes that have poison flings in Pennsylvania, except the cop- perhead and rattlesnake. Others may bite, but no worse than the hiss and bite of a goose — did we cowardly geese but know it. Prof. E. D. Cope, some years ago, when with the Tucquan flshing party, caiitured a black snake over three feet long. To iiroVe the inability of the reptile to bite he put his finger into the mouth of the snake. It brought its jaws down, hut the delicate hooked teeth could not break the skin ; the dents made were distinctly seen. Those who know this secret handle snakes of that class like pets, to the wonder of the terrified. — J. Stauffcr, in JVcw Era of October ith, 187S. •*■ ARE COUNTY FAIRS BENEFICIAL TO FARMERS AND FRUIT-GROWERS.* Mr. President and Members of tlie Societt/ : At our last agricultural and horticultural meeting I was sorry that I had to leave when the question was opened, " Are County Fairs Beneficial to Farmers and Fruit-Growers." In looking over the proceedings of said meet- ing it was very satisfactory to me to see that so many members interest themselves in favor of holding county fairs. Over twenty years ago I was a member of what was then called "Lancaster County Agricultural and Mechani- cal Society." I was then and ever since in favor of holding county fairs, and the very point and cause of breaking down the Lan- caster county society was the horse racing, and my opinion has always been that the county fairs can never be successfully estab- lished without said horse show. It is and was always the case at all fairs that I know, when the day was announced when the most racing was to come off it was astonishing to see the great gathering on that day. My reference is not only to sports, but also to those that would spend one day in a year to go to the fair ; plain and neat outside appearance would most in every instance hit the day of racing. It was often amusing to me when I met them, and I made the remark, " do we meet here, or is it here we meet;" nearly in every instance the answer was about this, " I thought I might as well come to-day." I mentioned it several times to oin- Presi- dent of said society, the late Jos. Konigmaeher, that if there is no change made in our pre- miums and regulations, our fairs can never prosper. I encouraged the fairs every year by taking all kinds of stock there excepting horses. Only a few days ago I looked at a diploma that I received at the fair of 1858 for a calf that weighed 114 pounds before it sucked milk, 396 pounds on the day it was three months old. There was notliing on the fair ground to compare witli it, and I was awarded a diploma for having it there five days. I am merely hinting on the above subject, and am always ready to yield for a better view. I would be in fiivor of dispensing with all discussions at present concerning this sub- ject, and have a committee of a few appointed by our society to make speed with less work ; to go personally to see the officers of successful fairs of York, Berks and Chester county agri- cultural societies, to get all their different premiums, arrangements in every respect concerning their fairs, and said committee to report to a larger committee of this society ; and this latter committee to meet and agree on all premiums, and at what price the Park Ground could be rented, and recommend all necessary arrangements for a plan of starling up a successful Lancaster county fair, and re- port to our society, for its adoption, amend- ment or refusal. *Read before the Lancaster Connty Agricultural an(J Horticultural Society, Nov. 4th, WIS, by L. W. Groff. 1S78.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 165 THE ROCHESTER GRAPE. Raised by EUwanger & Harry, of the Mount Hope Nurseries, Hoclu'sler, N. Y. During our Centennial year (ISTti) tliis enterprising firm fruitnJ ovor oneliundred seedling grapes, wliicli tliey liad previously raised Ironi seeds taken Ironi their vines, on a wall where Dela- ware, Diana, Concord and Rebecca were planted and growing together. These they numbered and ileserilied up to sixty varieties ; but as they fruiteil them, from year to year, tliey rejected one after another until they re- duced the nmnlier down to two, which they bave satisfactorily fruited for twelve years, and these two they concluded to offer for sale. These two they named the "Rochester" and the "Monroe," and our illus- tration in this innuber of Tiiic Fakmek represents the Ihsl named. " They do not claim this to be the hcM of all grapes, but they coulidently believe that its good (juality, earliness and certainty of r i p e n i n g, wherever any grape can be riiiened, its hardiness in both wood and foliage, resistiuir equally the cold of winter and the heat of summer, will soon place them among our most valuable grapes. This grape has been very approvingly spoken of by some of om- best grape-growers in our country, and there seems to be a great desire to obtain it on account of its hardy northern charac- ter, if for nothing else. Our illustration and the fol- lowing description of it will post our readers as to its charac- li ter and appearance. Bunch large to very large, shouldered, frequently double shouldered, very compact. Berries medium to large size, round, dark pur- ple or purplish lilac, peculiar, with thin white bloom. Flesh very sweet, vinous, rich and aromatic. Vine a remarkably vigorous grower ; wood short- jointed and hardy; foliage large, thick, healthy ; has never been known to mildew in the grounds where it originated. The habits of the vine are similar to the Diana, and it requires ample room and rather long pruning. Has never failed to ripen well in the worst of seasons since it first bore fi-uit. As we remarked on a former , occasion, it is not at all to tlic mterest of any permanent and first-class nurseryman to palm ofl" upon the public a fruit for what it is not ; and, therefore, other things being equal, our readers may reasonably eximct this grape to be what it is rep- resented. Consequently, if for the sake of obtaining a new variety adapted to our climate, they desire to go beyond our own borders for it, they can obtain from the above lirm one year old plants for $2.00 each, with the usual graduation of discount on larger orders. Climatically considered, a good New York grape ought to be good in Pennsylvania. :WHAT IS TO BE DONE ? 1. Child two years old has an attack of croup at night. Doctor at a distance. What is to be done ? The child should be immediately undressed and put in a warm bath. Then give an emetic, composed of one part of antimony wine to two of ipecac. The dose is a teaspoonful. If the antimony is not at hand give warm water, mustard and water, or any other simple emetic ; dry the child and wrap it carefully in a warm blanket. I -2. Hired girl sprains her ankle violently. I First bathe in cold water, then i)ut the white of an egg in a saucer, stir with a piece of alum, the sine of a walnut, until it is a thick jelly ; jilace a portion of it upon a jiiece of lint or tow large enough to cover the spi'ain, changing it as often as it f(*ls warm or dry ; the limb is to be kept in a horizontal position by placing it on a chair. li. Bees swarm, and the man who hives them gets severely stung in the face. The sting of a V)ee is hollow and barbed, and as it contains the poison the first thing to be done is to remove it. The parts stung should then be bathed in warm water and a little ammonia be rubbed on them. 4. Some one's nose bleeds and cannot be sto])ped. Take a plug of lint, moisten, diji in equal parts of iiowdered alum and gum arable, and insert in the nose. Bathe the forehead in cold water. .5. Child eats a piece of bread on which arsenic has lieen placed for killing rats. Give plenty of warm water, new milk in large quantities, gruel, and linseed tea ; foment the bowels. Scrajie iron rust off anything, mix with warm water, and give in large draughts frequently. Never give large draughts of lluid until those given before have been vomited, because the stomach will not contract proi)erly if filled, and the object is to get rid of the poison as quickly as possible. 0. Young lady sits in a draught and comes home with a bad sore throat. Wrap tlannel around the throat, keep out of drauglits and sudden changes of atmosphere, and eviry half hour take a pinch of chloride of potash, iilace it on the tongue and allow it to dissolve in the mouth. 7. Nurse sulliers from a whitlow/on lier linger. Place the wliillow in water as hot as can Ije borne, then poultice with linseed meal, taking care to mix a little grea.se with the jjoultice, to i)r(?vent it from growing hard. Bathe and poultice morning ami evening. S. (Miild falls backward against a tub of boiling water and is much scalded. Carefully undress the child, lay it on a bed, on its breast, as the back is scalded, bo sure all draughts are excluded, then dust over the i)arts scalded bi-carbonate of soda, lay muslin over it, then make a tent, by placing two boxes with a board over them in the bed, to prevent the covering from pressing on the scald ; cover up warmly. 9. Mower cuts driver's leg as he is thrown from seat. Put a tight bandage around the limb, above the cut, sli)) a cork under it, in the direction of a line drawn from the iinier part of the knee to a little outside of the groin. Draw the edges of the cut together with sticking jdaster. It). Child has a bad earache. Dip a plug of cotton wool in olive oil, warm it and place it in the ear. Wrap up the head and keep out of draughts. 11. Youth goes to skate; falls through the ice; brought home insensible. Strip the body and rub it dry ; then rub it with a warm blanket, and place it in a warm bed in a warm room. Cleanse away froth and mucus from the nose and month. Apply i warm bottles, bricks, etc., to the arm-pits, between the thighs and to the soles of the feet. Rul) the surface of the body with the hand encased in a warm dry worsted sock. To restore breathing close the nostrils and breathe steadily into the mouth ; iullate the lungs till the breast bo raised a little, then set the nostrils free and press gently on the chest until signs of life appear. Then give a warm drink and put to bed. Do not give up hope for at least three hours after the ■ accident. 12. Child gets sand in hi< eye. Place your forefinger on the cheek-bone, having the child . before you. Then draw up your finger and you will proba- bly be able to remove i t ; but if yon cannot get at the sand this way, rejieat the operation while you have a knitting needle laid against the eyelids; this will turn the lids inside out, and then the sand can be removed with a silk handkerchief. B.athe in cold water and ex- clude the light for a day.— Rural New Yorker. By a new process it has been ))roved that the fibrous portion of the jute ])lant can be so di- vided and treated as to produce curtains, hang- ings, tablecloths and dress goods of rare ex- cellence. Indeed, for some ptn-poses the article, as applied to textiles, would apppear to rival silk. The product of the jute jdant, after having been submitted to the process invented by Ju- lius Sachs, is called kalameit, and if the opin- ions lately announced regarding it it are justi- fied, it will form the basis of a great industry. 466 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ November, the comparative exhaustive powers of the cereals.* [concluded.] Lime. — This, in a strictly scientific sense, is not a fertilizer. All soils, we believe, contain an abundant supply of it for any crop ; but in the primitive signification of manure, to ope- rate by the hands, from the Latin nvmus, it performs an important function in plant growth. The small amount required for a profitable crop of wheat, corn or oats should convince any intelligent hearer that there is no necessity of rendering land "lime-sick" by the application of one hundred or one hun- dred and fifty bushels per acre at a single dressing. We do not wish to be under- stood as opposing the use of lime or inter- fering with its sale, but if the money use- lessly expended in the application of lime were placed at our disposal we could maintain a farm-school of such a character that as in- fluence would be felt throughout our noble old commonwealth. Lime acts by its causti- city alone — separating, manipulating, disin- tegrating and comminuting the particles of vegetable matter in the soil, so as to render them soluble by rain and snow, and convert this vegetable matter into plant-food. That this is the true province of lime, any one can es- tablish beyond the peradventure of a doubt, by taking soil devoid of vegetable matter, liming one-half of it, and seeding poth portions of it at the same time to the same variety of grain. Lime by l^eing slaked, exposed to water, be- comes converted to hydrated lime and loses much of its causticity upon being applied to the soil in a powdered condition. The application of twenty bushels per acre upon the most luxuriant growth of vegetation is sufficient for any dressing. All chemical combinations take place by ■what is known as tne "law of definite propor- tion." Permit me to resort to a simple illus- tration; You order a boy to form heaps of two white beans and one black bean each, i. e. three beans in each heap ; you furnish him with ten bushels of white beans and with only two hundred black beans — there is no mind on earth that can assist him in forming more than two hundred heaps by conforming to your order. In like manner lime, and all other substances enter into combination. If you have an excess of lime for the vegetable matter, it passes back into the carbonate of lime, the form in which it was before burning, and is as useless for manurial purposes as those vast rocks that jut through the soil and mar the beauty of your valley. True, it acts mechanically by separating a stiff, tenacious clay, and rendering it more friable and porous. " Multitudes of experiments establish the fact that an excessive supply of lime counter- acts tlie beneficial influence of soluble phos- phate (bi-phosphate), by rendering it tribasic or insoluble phosphate. Lime is not all equally caustic. This property can be most easily discovered by testing the stone before burning. Drop a few drops of either sulphuric, chlor- hydric or nitric acid upon the cold stone, and if effervescence result, the stone is rich in lime ; if the acid or stone must be warmed to produce effervescence, the stone is composed largely of magnesia. We deem the following outline a profitable application of lime ; haul the lime upon large piles in the field ; cover with sods or earth to exclude rain ; apply, after slaking, at the rate of twenty or twenty-five bushels per acre ; plow as shallow as possible to cover the sod properly ; by this means the sod will decom- pose more rapidly than if plowed under deeper ; cultivate throughly, so as to incor- porate decomposed vegetable matter and lime with the soil, and you have a fertile seed-bed. Manure and lime should never be applied at the same time, as the lime liberates the am- monia. If both are to be applied during the *An address delivered by Prof, S. B. Heiges. of Tork, Pa., at the Tri-State Plc-Nic of the Patrons of Husbandry, at Williams' Grove, Thursday, August 29th, 1878, same season, spread and plough down the ma- nure, allowing as long a time to intervene before applying the lime as possible, in order that the moist, porous earth may absorb and retain the ammonia ; scatter the lime upon the surface, give a second ploughing or thorough cultivation, that the lime may be incorporated with the soil, and you have a fertile seed-bed by the second process. The advantages of this system are: in a given number of years, say twenty-five, yon will have used as much lime per acre as by the heavy dressing process, the lime will have acted upon four crops of sod or vegetable matter, instead of one, little or none of the lime will have passed into the rock condition, and the increased fertility and crops during the period will amply compensate for the ad- ditional expense of hauling and spreading. Magnesia is found in all varieties of soil, and perhaps no direct application of this mild alkali need be made, yet we deem an applca- tion of lime rich in magnesia would be profit- able for oats, from the vast amount found in that cereal. Bran, says Leibig, is rich in am- moniacal phosphate of magnesia. Suljyhuric Acid can be most cheaply applied in the form of superphosphatSj or gypsum (plaster, sulphate of lime) ; the latter, which has gone into general disuse in this country, is too valuable to pass unnoticed. It furnishes sulphuric acid, is a great retainer of moisture, and converts the volatile carbonate of ammo- nia into the non-volatile and soluble sulphate of ammonia. No farmer can afford to discard this valuable auxiliary to his manure pile. Chlorine is found merely as a trace in the cereals, and is most easily added to the soil in the form of common salt, to which we have already adverted. Let me not be understood as teaching that the application of the given number of pounds of the various substances that constitute a crop of wheat, corn or oats will produce crops of equal value. We teach no such doctrine. The soil must contain many times the amount of food taken up by the growing crop. When we consider that an acre of good soil, one foot in depth, weighs 4,000,000 pounds (2,000 tons), and that if we plough and fertil- ize six inches in depth, the plant-food is mixed with 1,000 tons of soil ; that the roots and rootlests of any crop come in contact with but a comparative small portion of the soil, we discover the necessity of a liberal application of some fertilizing agency. We wish the farmers could see the profit of ample fertilization. If but half the number of acres should receive the entire amount of manure how great a saving of labor to man and beast, in the way of hauling and plough- ing, harrowing and planting, cultivating, har- vesting and gathering would result therefrom. Thorough improvement of the entire farm would be reached in a short time, even if a greater portion had to lie fallow, or to grass each year, whilst improving the portion under cultivation. We have considered the most important chemical substances that enter into the forma- tion of the cereals. There remain the various forms of vegetable matter, as grass, straw, clover, and the products of the barnyard. It is evident that the greater the supply of vege- table matter added to the soil the greater be- comes its power to return to the farmer vegeta- ble matter in the various forms needed. If all forms of vegetable matter were returned in sufficient quantities we would have a perfect system of fertilization. The effects of steam- power and machinery in general upon labor we surrender to the consideration of the politi- cal economist and statistician; but their use has been highly prejudicial to the fertility of long cultivated soils. The transportation of countless millions of bushels of entire gi;ain, rendered profital)le by railway and steamship, has robbed our soil of its most important food, phosphoric acid. In olden times, when the wheat was all floured and the refuse fed to the farm stock, the phosphoric acid was not all transported to foreign lands. The phosphoric acid, as all intelligent farmers know, resides almost entirely in the thin shell, known as the bran. Again, reapers and mowers cut the crops so closely to the ground that the germs of grow- ing clover and grasses are too much exposed to the heat of the sun during the longest and hottest days of summer. Following with the spring-toothed horse-rake every particle of hay and straw is gathered up, the leaving of which upon the soil as a mulch would be far more profitable. The packing of hay and straw into small bulk by means of hay-presses, rendering them portable commodities, has caused the sale of thousands of tons that otherwise would have been used on the farm and returned to the soil. The conversion of thousands of tons of straw into paper is another important factor — but why enlarge? All these various agencies of im- poverishment should be comprehended by every thoughtful agriculturist, and the inquiry should be, can we render machinery so useful as to counterbalance^'all these evils ? It remains yet for us to show the means by which vegetation can be most economically employed to keep up and increase the fertility ef the soil; for such means we have placed at our disposal. The conversion of clover and the various grasses into plant food is the simplest, and undoubtedly the cheapest form of applying vegetable matter. A ton of grass ploughed down and thoroughly decomposed will fur- nish four times the amount of potash, one- half time the amount of phosphoric acid, and more than a sufficient amount of all the other minerals needed for a ton of corn or wheat. The straw of the cereals thoroughly decom- posed and applied to the land will produce nearly enough of magnesia, quarter enough phosphoric acid, and more than enough of the other minerals to reproduce a crop of equal value. Grass ploughed down will furnish twice as much potash, half enough phosphoric acid, and a sufficient quantity of the other minerals to produce a crop of field peas, equal in weight with the stalks to the amount of grass ploughed down; and a crop of peas yielding thirty-six bushels per acre, if ploughed down with the stalks, will be sufficient manure for a profit- able crop of wheat. A crop of tm'nips if eaten upon the field by sheep, will furnish sufficient fertility for a profitable crop of any of the cereals. Three hundred pounds of high-grade superphosphate per acre should produce a profitable crop of turnips. We must resort to one or all of these methods of fertilizing. We will shortly pass through the severest ordeal to which farmers of the Atlantic States have ever been sub- jected. The vast number of farmers now moving to the fertile new lands of the west will flood our seaboard cities with such quanti- ties of the most profitable grains as will place, us entirely without the pale of competitione Each new railroad constructed in these fertile sections will but add to their advantages, and such a state will continue until numerous cities and countless towns spring in their midst, that they have consumers nearer home. Be not deluded with the thought that drought and locusts may shorten their crops, and in a few years these new fields will be abandoned. There are immense sections, many times the area of the grain sections of the east, as free from these evils as ours. Neither be deluded with that other silly remedy so often proposed — fruits and vege- tables. Already the markets of our large cities are often over-stocked with the products of the truck-patch, and not one farmer in a thousand ever sends a crate of berries to mar- ket. What would be the result if every far- mer should turn orchardist ? Apples, peaches . and pears would soon reach the destination of berries in a season of over-production — the waters of the wharf. Nevertheless every farmer should raise an j abundance of all kinds of fruits for family use, and, if a market be convenient, such an ex- cess as may prove profitable. 187S.J THE LANCASTER FARMER. 167 Nor ciin dairying in any of its forms take the place of grain cultuie. Some of its forms must eventually exhaust the soil. Any of its forms woulif soon result in over-iiroihiction if engaged in by a majority of farmers. Milk is a perishable commodity, and could only lind a liome market up to a certain quantity ; butter and cheese must be ' disposed of witliin a certain time, either in a lionie or foreign market, and would .soon be over-produced if engaged in by farmers in general. Grains can be held, if desired, by the farmer more safely than almost any other general farm product. .Shall we abandon tlieir eidti- vation V No, we must compete witli our west- ern brethren, by more tliorough cultivation, by the production of greater crops per acre, by the production of the best quality of beef and mutton, which, if they do not meet with a profitable market at home, will lind a ready sale in the over-populated portions of Kurope. The improvement of our soil demands the production of tlesh of some kind for market. Whatever animal we may .select, the fact is evident that he subsists largely upon the cruder products of the farm until the period of fat- tening, and that he is a valuable manure- maker during the entire period. An ox of fifteen hundred [lounds weight removes from the farm no more mineral matter and nitrogen than lifty bushels of eoi'u, worth on tlie aver- age about one-third as much, and the ox has been all the time imjiroving the soil, whilst the corn has done nothing in that direction. These arc incontrovertible facts, which we all should know, but if we camiot learn them let us provide this rich legacy for our sons and daughters by demanding that a portion of the nine millions of dollars annually expended upon our common schools be appropriated to the establishment of a few .schools in our midst in which a fair knowledge of physics, physi- ology, botany, entomology, chemistry, agri- culture and horticulture be taught. The in- tricacies of car calling demand such knowl- edge ; the welfare . of the nation depends largely upon it — why delay its dissemination ? In conclusion, if I have said or done aught to-day to enlarge your views of the dignity and responsibility of your calling ; to engen- der in j'our minds and hearts the resolve and hope that your sons and daughters nuiy be thoroughly lilted to take your places by a liberal education for that purpose, I am re- jiaid, amply repaid, thrice amply repaid for my labors in your iwidst. ^ For The Lanca^^ter Farmed. CORNSTALK MOLASSES. The articles on sorghum and cornstalk sugar, . in your October number, reminded me of an incident in my early life, which, in justice to early if not first discoverers of available sac- charine matter in cornstalks, I beg leave to recount. During the war of 1S12-1.5, when under twelve years of age, I was sent on an errand to a family residing (m the west bank of the Chickies creek, about where it is now cro.ssed by the Marietta and Columbia turnpike. IJoy- like I loitered in the woods, which then skirted the river from the present borough- line of Marietta to and beyond tlie creek, so that another mealtin\e arrived before I reached the house, and the family urged me (1 nothing loth 1) to eat with tlicm before retiuuing home. At that time the war had made sugar and molasses scarce and dear, and therefore sparingly used by the poorer classes. 13ut this family not only had molasses on the table, but urged me to use it freely if I liked it ; adding that it was their own manufacture, out of cornstalks, by aid of a straw-cutter, cider press and apple-butter kettle. As "we children " frequently chewed cornstalks for sweetmeats I had recognized the peculiar flavor, but thought the syrup very good, not- withstanding. It was about as thick as the West India molasses in common use, of a more reddish color, but very clear and beauti- ful. 1 am inclined to believe, however, that cornstalks will hardly supersede sorghum and imphec— especially if the amber .sorghum, now cultivated in Minnesota, should prove as pro- ductive of syrup elsewhere as it is in that State. This, however, is not to be expected. Soil and climate, each lias wonderful intluence on the plant in its sugar product, as has been demonstrated by a few trials, and was often foiiiul to be the case in common sorghum culture. And I presuuK^ that soil and climate will also affect the sugai' product of cornstalks. It is therefore to be regretted that the chemist of the Dciiartmeiit of Agriculture did not embrace in his report of experiments the loca- tions and soils and the amount of i>ro(luct— that is, the weight of stalks, o sorghum and of corn to the acre. This, and a little more care in stating the results, would have en- abled common readers to understand more clearly the comparative values of each ma- terial experimented on. The following table may aid in this desirable understanding, as calculated from the statement on page 149 of your October number : MATERIALS. '■ a 2 5 : a Specific gravity of juicee. ., ■s i B-a — 01 O ^1 W O Q, Cornetulke.. Sorghnm. .. 11,237 13,958 2,773 4,963 10.54 10.58 24.68 35.56 4.05 2. SI 6.73 6.60 The syrup is said to contain 75 per cent, of its weight in sugar, but the kind or kinds (cane or grape sugar) are not stated. If even the amber sorghum has 5.6 per cent, of glu- cose, (October Farmer, page 147,) the corn- stalk may be expected to contain a larger amount. It is hoped that other experiments will be made with stalks grown in other .soils and sections, and with equal weights of stalks ; and that experimenters will carefully give the weight of stalks to the acre, and the various processes for the production of sugar, as well as of the amounts jiroduced. It is only by repeated experiments, embracing all the vari- ations of soil, climate and processes— perhaps even embracing modes of cultivation — that this problem can be .solved. And even then, to render it practical, the cost of material and of manufacture per pound, must be clearly ascertained. "Will it pay V" — A. B. Grosh, Washington, D. C. For The Lancaster Farmer. RANDOM THOUGHTS— No, 6. Tree Agents Have been about again and we hear many comiilaints. I do not know why it should be so, but in most cases there is more or less dis- satisfaction, among which the following are most conspicuims : 1. The agents generally act for parties in New York or other distant places, whose charges are much higher than at our local nurseries. This the buyer does not know until after he has subscribed, and then thinks he has been overreached. I know of a neighbor who paid $1.00 for a peach tree, new variety, that he could have bought at a nur.sery not more than three miles di.stant at li.'i cents ; grajievines at 75 and 50 cents each that he could have had at 25 cents ; he intends to buy at home hereafter. Those at a distance can not sell as cheap as the local nurserymen, as they have to pay heavy freight on trees and have to pay their agents a large percentage for selling, besides other expenses to which the local men are not subjected. 2. Though many of the agents act for good nurseries, yet there are many who profess to sell for certain generally well-known firms but do not. This latter cla.ss of agents, more properly called "tree peddlers," sell trees and then buy them here and there, wlierever they can get them cheapest, without regard to whether the raisers of the trees are responsible parties or nf>t. A year or two ago .a favorably known nursery firm published an article in the American Agriculturist, stating that their agents received lists of what trees to sell and that tiieir customers were sure to get what was sold, but in clearing out part of the nur.sery there would oftentimes be many trees U'ft on it not up to tlio standard, or of wliich the. names had been lost, or which had not taken when budded, but tlirew up a stem from the stock, and of course were seedlings — such were sold to "iieddlers," who took them up themselves and labeled them according to what they had sold. The victims of the.se pedlers of course did not find out how badly they were cheated until aftca- years. ;i. These agents have a large list of varie- ties, and unless a man perfectly understands what kind to buy, he may and possibly will, select many varieties that are not at all suited to his locality. The owner of a local nursery, if he understanpi, as there would be a likelihood that it would not be matured by the time of frost ; in New York and other States, where frost comes oftentimes so early as to injure their corn, the farmers should get their seed corn from Canada or other point north of them, and thus might get their crops to ma- ture a week or ten days earlier. I do not know if we would derive any benefit by seeds north of us, except in wheat and 168 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [November, oats ; by getting such seed we might hasten the maturity and thus escape the hot weather. In Minnesota tliis year the wheat was much damaged, so as not to be half a crop, bj' some days of hot weatlier ; if they would have had seed from further north, that would have been five or six days earlier, the result would have been seen in a much larger crop. It was the same with oat-s in this section ; had it been raised from northern seed it would have been ten or twelve days nearer maturity when the rust appeared, and, of course, this much nearer out of danger, perhaps escaped it entirely. This early maturity is, however, gradually lost, so that in a few years the crop will need just as long a time in ripening as that for- merly raised. This would, of course, necessi- tate new importations every few years. In such crops as are raised from sprouts or grafts it is very doubtful whether any change in time of maturity occurs. Thus, an apple that in Vermont may be claimed as a winter variety, may be a fall variety as far south as Georgia. It is not that the apple will grow in a shorter time, but the winter season does not arrive so soon and so the apple becomes ma- ture before the winter time. In potatoes the case is exactly the same. A variety that would be classed late in Maine, ■Vvould be early with us, and the early potatoes would be very early with us. This is jirobably the reason why the new first-class early pota- toes have all come to us from States lying north of us. I do not know or remember of one first-class early potato that was originated south of us. So much stress has been laid on the superior quality of northern seeds, by some market gardeners, that one seed firm claims to be nearer the North Pole than any other in America. With market gardeners it is some- times a question of two or three days as to whether they will make a nice thing of it or lose money, cases having been known where a lot of cabbage three days later than another would not bring over one-half the money. Prices of Fertilizers. For the last few years everything has been going down in price, whether manufaclured goods or the products of the farm ; fertilizers themselves, when of the same quality, have not followed this universal decline, and there seems no reason why they should not. When gold was 114 a ce/tain brand of Peruvian guano was held at $55.50 per ton in currency, equal to about $48.67 gald ; now the same brand is quoted at S56..50 currency, or over $56.00 gold. This, in effect, raises the price of the article neai'ly S7.50 per ton. It is a matter hard to understand wliy the fertilizers should keep up their prices while gold is com- ing down and dragging everji;hing else along. If we look at it in another way we tind that in the early part of the summer of 1876 we could buy a ton of the above brand for about forty bushels of wheat or eiglity bushels of corn ; now we must give aliout sixty bushels of wheat or about one hundred and ten of corn. I have always been in favor of fertilizers when used intelligently, but the time is com- ing, or has already arrived, when they can no longer be used on our common crops. It soon will be a question with dealers as to whether they prefer tlieir stocks to lie on hand or to reduce tlieir prices to a point that will again enable the farmer to use them with profit. — A. B. K. For The Lancaster Farmer. ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA- (liutterflu- Weed.) The order Asclepiadacere (Milk-weed family) presents a very curious and intricate floral structure. In "Dr. Gray's Manual " fourteen species are described. The above is readily distinguished from all the others hy its alter- nate, scattered upper leaves, and milky juice little or none ; leafy to the summit, one to two feet high, usually deep orange-yellow, showy flowers, the umbels short peduncled. Found in dry hills and fields ; not rare ; prefers sandy soils, pine woods, &c. It is also known by tlie name of phurisy root. The root is ' large, fleshy and branching, and often somewhat fusiform. It is only by comparison with the other species that it can be called tuberous. The stems are numerous, gi-owing in bunches from the root. Leaves on the erect, hairy stems are scattered, sessile; the]ilowers ones pedunculated, rather oblong and obtuse at base. The numerous bright orange color of the flowers calls attention to it when met with during the flowering season, in July and Sep- tember. The flower is peculiar, five-parted, reflexed, and the segments oblong. The nec- tary or crown of the stamens are five, forming caps or cups with an oblique mouth, having a small, incurved, acute horn proceeding from the base of the cavity of each, and meeting at the centre of the flower. The pollen forms ten distinct, yellowish, transparent bodies, of a flat and spatulate form, ending in curved filaments, which unite them by pairs to a minute, dark tubercle at the top. Each pair is suspended in the cells of two adjoining anthers, so that if a needle be inserted be- tween the membraneous edges of two anthers and forced out at the top it carries with it a pair of pollen masses. It has long been known that insects visiting these plants disengage these transparent yellowish bodies, and carry them away with them. See account iu The Lanca.ster Farmer for September, page 131, of Mr. Wm. .1. Pyle, and the unfortunate bees of his hive, having their legs ornamented with these pollen appendages, were ejected from the hive and treated without meicy or favor by the rest of the community. A speci- men of the plant sent per Mr. Pyle proved to be the Asclepias incarnata, "Swamp Milk- weed ;" flowers flesh-colored and leaves smooth. We would naturally infer that it was a kind of parasitic fungus that infested the legs of the bees, but why so obnoxious to the other bees, is an open question. The root of the "A. tubero.sa " is the only part recognized medicinally, and is eminently entitled to the attention of physicians as an expectorant and diaphoretic. It produces effects of this kind with great gentleness, and without the heating tendency which accom- panies many vegetable sudorifics. Ithas'been long employed by practitioners in the Southern States in pulmonary complaints, particularly in catarrh, pneumonia and pleurisy, and has acquired much confidence for the relief of these maladies. It appears to be an expec- torant peculiarly suited to the advanced stages of pulmonary inflammation, after depletion has been carried to the requisite extent. Dr. Parker, of Virginia, as cited by Dr. Thacher, having been iu the habit of employing this root for twenty-five years, considers it ps possessing a peculiar and almost specific quality of acting upon the organs of respira- tion, promoting suppressed expectoration, and relieving the breathing of pleuritic patients in the most advanced stages of the disease. * Dr. Chapman, Professor of Medicine, Phila- delphia, has tested its merits, and speaks with confidence of its powers. Administered in substance or decoction. A teacupf ul of the strong decoction, or from 20 to 30 grains of the powder, may be given in pulmonary complaints several times a day, repeated in some cases of inflammatory dia- thesis until it subsides, or so long as it agrees with the stomach and bowels. Much more might be said in its behalf, but I am not writing a medical work, simply a brief no- tice.— /. Stauffer^ Lancaster. ^ RISE AND PROGRESS OF BEE CUL- TURE.* All the great inventions and discoveries which have developed the resources of the world to a greater extent within the past cen- tury than in all previous time since the crea- tion, have had their origin, more or less re- mote, in tlie ages past. The various a])plica- tious of steam, electricity, the mechauieal powers, and the wondrous developments of natural science which have so clianged the face of all nature, and the currents of. thought within the past few years, are but the accu- mulations and scientific combinations of ideas and inventions, scattered all along the line of the ages, by the past generations in their on- ward march from ignorance, superstition and bigotry to intelligence, knowledge and true science. Of all kinds of research in tlie de- velopment of National industries, none are more fruitful, inviting, and instructive to the Antiquarian than the liistory of the culture of the honey bee; for in all his researches, he will find himself in the company of the wisest and best minds of all ages. Poets, Natural- ists, Philosophers and doctors of divinity are all largely represented in its history. Honey was regarded by the Ancients as a present from the gods, and with it their libations were made around the tombs of those dear to them. With honey they preserved their corpses. With honey their gods were ap- peased by pouring it upon their altars and the heads of the victims. Honey was the only sweet known until within comparatively modern times. The Holy Scriptures abound in figures of the highest joys and the most ex- quisite sweetness, drawn from the bee and its delicious product. Aristotle pronounced the honey bee a magazine of the^virtues. Virgil, the most elegant of the Latin poets, call it a ray of the divinity, and chose it as the subject for the best of his Georgics. Shakespeare, Milton, and, in fact, all the prominent writers, have bestowed on the bee at least a passing notice. De Montfort, who, in 1646, wrote a work on bees, estimates the number of auth- ors who had written on this subject previous to his time, at between five and six hundred, the larger part of which are lost, but traces of most of them have come down to us through works published in the seventeenth century. These works, one of which was written by De Montl'ort, seems to unite the ideas of the An- cients with those of his own time. And the most romantic and foolish reveries stand side by side with sensible views, and in many in- stances the two are so badly mixed, that to give in full the various views which have pre- vailed, at difl:"erent times in the past history of bee-culture, would bring a result similar to what Milton says of the writings of the Fath- ers. A huge drag net, brought down the stream of time, filled mostly with sticks and straws, pebbles and shells, sea-weed and mud, with a pearl in the oyster here and there. We *Read before the American Bee Keepers Association, Oct. Sth, 1878, oy A. J. King, Ed, of Bee Keeper's Magaziiie. 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 169 shall coiiriiie oursclf to tlie incirst outliiip of this liislory iiiid endeavor to select u.s many of the pearls as we can in pussinj;. Of the anti(iuity of tlie bee, we eannot speak jiositively, but tlie seolo^ieal evi(len(;es of liowerini; plants, deniandinf^ insects for their fertilization, together with tlic remains of in- sect-feeding reptiles, as well as herbivorons animals, places tlie bee. at least prcsuniably, ages anterior to the creation of wan. The positive proof of its early domestication are ample. The ancient Kgyptian sculpture and tablets abonnd with hieroglyphics, wherein the bee is the symbol of royalty, theirecononiy being represented with a monarch at its head In most instances these representations are rwlr, and betray a lack of close observation, as tlie l-iee is pictured with two wings anang.stroth— although not the first — more than to any other man, are we indebted for the introduction of new races of bees to mix with our own and thus prevent the evil of in and in breed ins. The "Mysteries of Bee-keeping Explained" 170 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [November, appeared simultaneously with Mr. L's book. The author, the late lamented M. Quinby, showed ill this work a familiarity with the economy of the bee truly astonishing to one writing at that time. It was eminently prac- tical, and did much valuable work for the ad- vencement of rational bee-cultilre. He also invented the best form of bellows smoker then in use and this has been further improved by the addition of the direct draft lu'iiiciple in- vented by Mr. T. F. Bingham, which leaves nothing more to be desired in this line. Mr. (^uinliy wrote largely for the Agricul- tural press of the country. He freely gave all his ideas and inventions to the public for the pwmotion of the cause he loved, and labored faithfully to raise bee-keeping to the dignity of a distinct profession. The quiet, noble, self-sacrificing spirit manifested hy this truly great man, will be talked of and cherished and felt so long as the keeping of bees shall enage the attention of men. The writings of Mrs. Tupper, the -Harbisons, Metcalf, N. H. and H. A. King, Prof. Cook, and others, have done a vast work in bringing about the pres- ent advanced stage of bee-keeping in this country. While A. I. Root, T. G. Newman and your humble servant, realizing that "con- stant dropping wears out a stone, " are con- stantly pelting away at the Jsuperstitions and prejudices of the people, and hope ere long, to end the battle in complete triumph. The most convincing arguments, however, are those which appeal to the palate, and the pocket, and these are being effectually used by Harbison, Hetherington, Doolittle, Betsinger, Clark, C. J. Quinby, and many others, in the shape of tons of honey as beautiful and pure as the nectar which Jupiter sips. And this is being distributed all over the world by Thur- ber, Quinby, E. & O. Ward, Thorn & Co., of this city, Muth, of Cinn., Vincent of N. O., and by the large dealers in other cities. We learn from statistics that there are now in the United States about 1,000 ditferent bee hives covered by patent, and a still larger number unpatented. Nearly all the inventions of European origin have been greatly im- proved by our Yankee ingenuity, and men everywhere are waking up to the importance of this industry as never before. The aggre- gate yield of honey is largely on the increase; besides, the quality and (piantity, and the methods used in America arc far superior to any other country, and these facts, taken to- gether, are creating a fear in the minds of some of oiu' most thoughtful Apiarians that the prices received for honey may fall below the cost of production; so we will present a few facts which we think may tend to allay these apprehensions. Great Britain consumes annually about 9,0(10,000 lbs. of sugar for brewing purposes. Other foreign countries, as well as our own country, a proportionally large amount. It is a fact that Extracted honey contains a much larger percentage of the elements needed as a substitute for malt thau sugar does, and is cheaper at 90 cents a gallon, than sugar is at the lowest prices it has yet reached. A desirable change by substitution is now going on and may be greatly hastened by well directed eflbrts on the part of honey dealers. 2d. Not more than 2-5ths of our people have yet learned to eat honey, not be- cause it is not generally acceptable, but it has never been brought to their notice as a staple article which may be had at the same price as the liest quality of syrup, and that it is far more healthful. 3d. A large percentage of the syrups in general use in our families are badly adulter- ated, and positively unfit for the human stomach, and particularly the stomachs of children. This fact is fast being recognized by the most intelligent of our population, and only needs a little judicious pressing through the papers to displace it, and in its room put extracted honey. 4th. Laws against the adulteration of honey, afHxiug such penalties of fine and imprison- ment as shall aftbrd complete protection to the producer, the honey dealer and the consumer. iSteps should be at once taken to eSect this desirable result, before some other unprinci- pled honey dealer shall cause Great Britain to give us the second slap in the face through their leading papers, by branding us as a set of swindlers, and warning the English people against the use of American honey. A petition setting forth this matter in its true light should be presented to Congress at its next session. All the members of this National Convention, including all dealers in honey, should be asked to sign this petition, and a refusal from any cause whatever should be regarded as favorable to honey adulteration, and producers should be warned against sell- ing such persons their honey. Such a peti- tion, praying for so laudable an object, and backed by so many honorable names, could hardly fail in obtaining the desired law, when extracted honey would at once advance to its true position in all our markets. Bee-keepers everywhere should be united in bringing about these needed reforms, and imitating the poli- ticians, should "keep it before the people" till the end is attained. The journals devoted to bee-keeping should be bold and outspoken on this subject, regardless of all present emoluments for a contrary course, and for one, I here and now pledge the Bee-Keeper^ s Maga- zine to this policy without the least equivoca- tion or mental reservation, and I expect to see friend Newman, of the A. B. J., join hands, and then, by a rising vote, test the sense of this association, and thus make a significant stride in the true progress of bee- keeping in this country. OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural and Horticultural Society. The Lancaster County Agricultural Society held its regular monthly meeting in their rooms in the City Hall, on Monday afternoon, Nov. 4th, 1878. The following members were present: Calvin Cooper, President ; .Joseph F. Witmer, Paradise ; Henry M. Engle, Marietta ; .Jacob B. Garber, Co- lumbia; Henry Kurtz, Mount Joy; M. D. Kendig, Manor; J. M. .Johnston, city ; Casper Hiller, Cones- toga ; Levi W. Groff, West Earl ; Levi S. Keist, Manheim ; Daniel Smeych, city; Frank R. DilTen- derffer, city ; Jacob G. Zerr, President of the Berks County Agricultural Society; Dr. S. S. Rath von, city; Johnson Miller, Warwick; C. L. Hunseeker, Manheim ; Ephraim S. Hoover, Manheim ; Peter S. Reist, Litiz ; Franklin Sutton, Manheim; John S. Buckwalter, East Lampeter ; Simon A. Hershey, Salunga ; Mr. Landis, Eden. The meeting was called to order by the President, Calvin Cooper. The reading of the minutes of last meeting was, on motion, dispensed with. Report of Committees. Casper Hiller stiid he w.as one of a committee to report on artificial fertilizers, and was desirous of knowing who the other members are, so that they can get together and prepare for business. The members, as reported by the Secretary, are .Johnson Miller, J. C. Linville, Casper Hiller and W. H. Brosius. Crop Reports. Henry Kurtz reported wheat as looking well. Some seeding was kept back until last week. Some wheat that looked yellow, now seems to be doing very well. Corn is nearly all away. It turns out tolerably well. There will be a middling crop. Tobacco is ready to strip. Henry M. Engle does not think wheat shows very well. Some fields are pretty good, but many are not prepared to stand a hard winter. Corn is better than expected ; is hard and nearly all husked. Late pota- toes are very poor. Young grass is very flue. The rain fall for October was 3.4() inches. M. D. Kcndig, of Manor, reported wheat as thin. That planted on tobacco ground looks best. The ground seemed to be more moist. It has come out very much since the late rain. Corn is about thrce- iburths of a crop. Young grass is coming out well. Rain fall for October 3 3-10 inches. J. G. Zerr, of Berks county, sa' I he came here on a visit merely, but he would »ay what he saw on the way. He was surprised at what he saw. The wheat along the road he traveled looks very well, as fine in fact as in former years. In Berks county the wheat is very poor. Some sown six weeks ago seems to be just coming out. There is some still to be sown. If the weather continues favorable it may still come up. Calvin Cooper, of Bird-in-Hand, said on rough ground there is but little wheat. It is set very thin. Where the ground was in tobacco, corn or potatoes it looks better. It came up better and looks better. Johnson Miller, of Warwick, said there was not much to report at this season of the year. Of the wheat sown this fall part is not yet above ground. There has not been such a season for farmers to get out their wheat for a long time ; no rain of any ac- count for nearly four months. It was a ijery hard matter to plow, and many acres were not put out at all that were intended to be sown. Early plowed ground looks well. The corn crop is a tmall one, but much better than was expected. It will average 40 bushels to the acre. Pasture is all gone. Farmers now feeding in the stable. The tobacco is still hang- ing. It is curing finely. Farmers are hauling ma- nure and plowing for another crop of corn. It is a matter of seasons, which is the better, fall or spring. The price of grain is discouraging to farmers, and they must manage their affairs economically in con- sequence. At present prices we must raise larger crops with less labor, and to do this we must im- prove our land and attend to our business. Levi W. Grofl' never noticed so much difference as this year between grounds planted last year with wheat and that planted in tobacco. Wheat sown on the latter is far ahead of that sown on the former. Corn is the poorest for years ; not over half a crop. Casper Hiller said corn is three-quarters of a crop; better than was expected . He reported planting a late crop of potatoes which gave a very small yield, but the tubers were uncommonly flue. It was re- markable for that fact only. Reading of Essays. The President, Calvin Cooper, gave a talk on what he regarded as bad farming. We must keep up our farms. Barnyard manure is the best reliance we have. We ought to husband all the excrement from our stock. For this reason we should keep cattle in small enclosures. He drew a diagram of a farm of fifty acres on the blackboard. He thought a farm of that size the most desirable, and a square shape the best. He in that way economized in the matter of fences. The land was divided into five fields, beside the orchard, garden, barnyard and yard for the house. The fencing would cost, with interest and repairs, in ten years jy90.70. Five years later the cost would be $i97 more. In fifteen years, $1,- 469.80, including first cost. The entire cost in twenty years will be g2;094..58. In thirty years, So, 753.36. In forty j'ears the total cost, including repairs, in- terest and all, will be ?7,110, on which the interest would be §426.00. This was for interior fences only. The sum is enough to support a reasonable man during his declining years. We must avoid this ex- pense. The time seems to have arrived when some- thing must be done to get rid of this evil. He was at a loss to know what plan to adopt except penning up the stock. He advocated the abandonment of in- terior fences. H. M. Engle agreed with Mr. Cooper. Fences are an expensive luxury. The fact is beyond dispute and must be admitted. He hoped that as many are adopting the soiling system we will in time be re- lieved of the cost of maintaining this luxury. Then there is the advantage of soiling cattle. One acre of grass by the latter system will go as lar as three by the ordinary manner of pasturing. Much additional manure would be made. Our farms would improve more rapidly. The space now wasted by i'ences would also be saved. It is high time that we do as they do in the west. As the case now stands we can not compete by the ordinary method of farming with them. We will see this more clearly every day and will have to face it. Casper Hiller had no fault to find with the theory just advanced. It can be carried out, no doubt, but it must be done by better farmers than we are. Wh«n grass was fed all would go well, but when the clover crop was over what would we feed them ? It requires a different kind of farming irom that now pursued. H. M. Engle said that it was like all other things; it looks a little diflScult, but this is an idea only. Let us sow rye to begin soiling with. By this plan you will have yellow butter long before your neigh- bors. Then sow peas and oats ; then you can begin with clover. When that is away, early sown corn will be re.idy, and if this latter is sown at proper intervals it will be in season until fall. Hungarian grass and millet may also be sown to keep up a suc- cession of fodder. Your lands will grow richer and your crops heavier all this while. We must come to the soiling system after a while. Levi W. Grofl' had much satisfaction in finding so much interest shown in this question, but he believed the old farmers would have to drop off before the plan is generally introduced. C. L. Hunseeker thought our methods of farming are good, but still we can improve on them. He believes it possible to dispense with interior fences, although he hardly expected to see it done during the present generation. The names of several men were given who have removed their interior fences and are soiling their cattle. Mr. Zerr had no doubt the system of soiling will come into practice before many years. He believes in it ; it gives us the use of much ground now takeu 1S78.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 171 up by fences. Thelattcr are nothing but a sinking fund that nialces no return. Kye, grass, oats and corn can lie sown in proper succession, so as to give you all tlie feed for your cattle you need. Hoots, cabbage and tbe like can also lie made to eoatriliule to soiling cattle. Tbe latter being kejit quiet will give more milk and butter. You can also increase your maiuire pile by gathering leaves. lie knew of a number of iktsoiis who are taking out their in- terior fences ; he bad done so partially himself. The increase in manure alone will pay for the trouble. iu soiling cattle. Henry Kurtz did not agree with the high estimate of the cost of fences. He has put up fencing that has stood ten years and has not yet cost a penny in tbe way of repairs. The expense of soiling is more than is commonly believed. Cows don't like rye; they prefer grass, lie kas tried growing corn for feed, but it is not always successful ; it was not this year. Some fences can be dispensed with but not all. When cattle happen to get loose ancl get into your grain fields, the damage is not a little. Wc must economize on our farms. Make tnore manure. Keep less cattle in summer aud more in winter. We raise more corn and wheat to the acre than they do In tbe west, but their lands are so much cheaper that in the end it counts up. But still we can on the whole make more money than they. Mr. Cooper remarked that the latter speaker criticised tbe cost of bis fences, but his estimate was really forty cents per panel more th»n the speaker's. Mr. Kurtz said there was fencing on his farm that was there tliirty-four years ago, aud is still good. Dr. S. S. Kathvon read the following essay. (See page 104). H. M. Eugle commended the hints and suggestions of tbe essay, aud expressed the hope that members would act on them as time and opportunity ottered. Henry Kurtz thought wo were of some importance as a society. People are often asking about us and always read our proceedings in the papers. If we put our shoulders to the wheel we could do much more thau we do. He favored the views of the essayist. Mr. /Cerr thought it would be encouraging to per- sons to become members if there was a collection of cereals and other products on exhibitiou. On motion, the thanks of the society were ex- tended to Dr. Rathvon for his essay. H. .M. Engle hoped the hints thrown out by Dr. R.'s paper would not he forgotten, but acted on. It will cost but little, and all can contribute. Farmers are not geologists, as a rule, but some can also make contributions of that kind. Casper Hiller suggested that Dr. Rathvon begin the collection by pUaeing on exhibition some of our most destructive insects, such as the curculio, Hessian fly and the like. Many [lersons do not know these de- stroyers when they see them. Levi W. Grotl' was pleased with the idea thrown out. Such a collection exists at the office of the Village Record, and is now a curiosity. New Business. A bill for the erection of a table and shelves was presented and ordered paid. Levi W. Grofl' read a short paper on county fairs. He was a member of an organization of this kind twe'nty years ago. It broke up in consequence of Introducing horse racing. He opposed this kind of attractions. He took stock to all our county fairs, horses only excepted. He suggested the appoint- ment 01 a committee to visit fairs in the neighboring counties and report to this society as to the best methods of holding such fairs. Action on Mr. Grotf's suggestion was deferred until next meeting. Dr. Kathvon, in reply to a question, said grain of all kinds can be protected from insect ravages by subjecting them to a high degree of heat prior to putting them iu air-tight jars or bottles. A resolution was some time ago passed offering premiums on papers relaiing to the cultivation of wheat and small fruits. It was proposed a com- mittee of three be appointed to examine such essays and make the awards ; and also that a premium be awarded for essays on any of the cereals. Tbe chairman appointed the following as the Examining Committee : W. McComscy, F. K. Dilleu- dcrfl'er and Peter S. Kcist. Report of the Fruit Committee. By Daniel Smeych : A magnificent specimen of Beurre Clargcau pear, being about live inches long. Levi S. Kcist : Apples — Baldwin, York Imperial, Hubbardtson Nonsuch, Koxbury Kusset, Northern Spy, Winter Spice, Cambridge, Smith Cider, Uriest's Winter, R. I. Greening, Golden Pippin, Krauser, Pound, Sheepnosc, King of Tompkins County, Smokehouse, Wine or Redstreak. A very superior lot of apples. A Monstrous Pippin, monstrous in name and size, by Peter Kohrer. An apple, Egg Top by name, from a street stand ; an apple of beauty and of good quality. The proper name of the above-named pippin apple is Gloria Mundi. Business for Next Meeting. The following questions were offered for general discussion at the meeting : " Should the growing of tobacco be encouraged; if so, to what extent?" " Will it pay to keep thoroughbred males in raising stock on the farm." Referred to .los. F. Witmcr. TliiTc being no rurllicr Inisiness liefore the society, it adjourned, on motion, until the first Monday in December. TOBACCO GROWERS' ASSOCIATION. Tbe regular riumtbly meeting of the Lancaster County Tobacco Growers' Association was held Monday afternoon, October 21, 1S78, in the room of the Agricidtural Society. The following members were present: Sylvester Kenncdv, Salisbury; Henry SbitTner, Bird-in-Hand; .\I. 1). kendig, Manor; J. M. Johnston, city; A. P. Mcllvain, Paradise; Israel L. Laiidis, city; Webster L. Hcrshey, East llempfield; Frank K. I)itV«nderller, city; Clare Carpenter, city; Prof. S. S. Rathvon, city. The meeting was called to order by the President, M. D. Kendig. On motinn,the reading of tbe minutes of last meet- ing was dispensed with. Shall we Disband ? Peter S.Reist made a niotion that hereafter the meetings of this association be held quarterly. I. L. Landi6,in debating this motion, was iloubtful whether the proposed plan would help matters m»ich. The farmers seem indifTerent. He would rather see the thing go down at once than drag along as it now does. Sylvester Kennedy thought we might as well let the thing go down at once. The longer it runs on the worst it s«ems to get. Mr. Keist did not think it was owing to lukewarm- ness that there was not a better attendance. He knows the reports are widely read, and that is the reason so few come here personally. There were plenty of growers here nine months ago when their last crop was placed on the market. He thought they would do so again in a short time. I. L. Landis thought there were plenty of farmers who were ready to profit by what is done here, but are unwilling to pay anything towards sustain- ing the association. But as the thing is now drag- ging we have no encouragement whatever. iVIr. Reist's motion being put, was carried, and tbe meetings will hereafter be held quarterly. How Can we Get the Best Prices for Our Tobacco ? Henry Shiffner thought there was not enough identity of interests between growers and buyers. The latter are often called thieves an4 robbers, whose only interest is to swindle the farmers. Where such a fiseling exists a sale will seldom be effected. If farmers knew the value of the tobacco better, they would sell it sooner. They almost invariably put too high an estimate on their product, and when buyers refuse to give it they get angry. Sylvester Kennedy's experience ha« taught him that buyers are not always inclined to do the fair thing. He gave instances where be believed he had been hardly dealt with. He thought there was a certain understanding among buyers last year not to pay over a certain price for tobacco. The remedy is in tbe hands of the growers. Let them pacK aud hold it. This plan is pursued largely in Chester county, and the farmers find their account in it. He recommended a concert of action among growers to secure a fair price for their crop. Israel L. Landis has had a large acquaintance with tobacco buyers, and has never heard oi a "ring" among them. If wc have the right kind of tobacco, one that in color and quality is desirable, we are just as sure to get the full value for it as we are for our wheat or corn. Buyers will buy .as cheaply as they can, just as all other kinds of dealers do. Levi S. Reist remarked that wheat is now selling at 90, O.') and 100 cents per bushel, but to get the latter price the grain must be fine and plump and of tbe best quality. Tobacco is a commodity that is thrown on the market, just as wheat is, and grow- ers must sell their goods at its proper value; if it is inferior, an inferior price must be expected. Some men get big prices every year, but it is in conse- quence of their superior knowledge in growing and handling the weed. Cheating is not always on the part of buyers, as he very well knew. The special mission of this association is to grow good tobacco, so that wc can always get good prices for it, and if farmers attended these meetings more there would be less cause for complaint. A. P. Mcllvain did not belisve in trying to combine either to buy or sell at other than the usual prices. There are many reasons why it is not practicable to advance money on tobacco to needy grow-crs. It may decline in price, burn, or meet with other mishaps, entailing loss on the lender. Place of Meeting. J. M. Johnston, from the Committee to rent a room for the meetings of the association, reported that the society could meet in this room by paying half the expenses incurred by the Agricultural So- ciety. He asked for instructions. A. P. Mcllvain made a motion to continue the committee until next meeting, which was adopted. An Explanation. Frank R . Difrenderller said that at the last meeting of this association, when the question of eoUcetlng accurate statistics of the tobacco crop of this county was up, be remarked that the Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture had in his last report estimated the crop of this county at 40,(100,000 pounds. He should have said, and meant to say, the Secretary estimated the cro|i of the entire State at that. The latter bad written to him about It and he understood bjid also written to our Prehiilenl. Alter all, it was not a matter of very great importance. We grow fully four-fifths of the entire State product, and the dilTerence is one of a few nnllions of pounds at most. But while Secretary Edge has been so anxious to be set right on this question, he has entirely ignored his own error of •20,00O,0llO pounds or more. It would be of interest to know how he happened to fall into such a glaring mistake, ami it would not have been out of place, while calling attention to Mr. D.'s mistake, to have alluded to his own, and corrected that. He would, therefore, repeal what he said then, that such reports, official though they pretend to be, are a good deal worse than none at all, and It is to be hoped Secretary Edge's estimates of our other crops are more deserving of credit than those relating to tobacco. W. L. Hcrshey offered to i>repare a paper on the culture of tobacco at the next' meeting. There being no further business before the asso- ciation, a motion was made and carried to adjourn. Tbe next meeting will be held on the third Monday in January, 187'J, when, it is to be hoped, farmers will show a little more interest in this crop than they have been doing of late. BEE-KEEPERS' ASSOCIATION. The Bee-Keeper«' Association met at the Black Horse Hotel, on .Monday afternoon, Nov. 11th, 187S. There were present : Peter S. Reist, President, Litiz; I. G. Martin, Earl ; J. F. llershey, Mt. Joy ; John Huber, Pcquea ; D. II. Lintner, city; Elias Hershey, Paradise; U. K. Meisky, Manor; Jacob Christ, Milltyeville; John Musselman, Mill Creek; S. K. Koyer, city. The President read from the jirocecdings of the North American Bce-Keepcr's Association in favor of local societies, and some extracts from the addresses of members relative to tbe origin and extent of bee culture. The Bee Keepers' Profits. A number of members gave their experience in honey production and tbe financial results of their operations. J. ¥. Hershey, who started last spring with 62 .swarms, otl'ered the following exhibit : CB. By sale of T'i.'i lbs. box honey at 2nc $1-1^ 00 " '* 8(J 11)8. extriicted houey at 15c 1-2 00 " " 1 swarm 12 00 " " UG Italian Queens 233 00 " '♦ 17 DucleUH swarms, queen iu, on hand... 5100 ^53 CO DR. To Btnff for honey box $10 00 To posfaf^e for (ineeus and letters 3 00 To sugar ted to bees 40 00 $.53 00 Profit of tho season's work $400 00 This is considered only an ordinary profit, owing to an unfavorable spring and a large amount of honey for winter use. Elfas Hershcy's fifteen hives had increased to twenty-six and made 400 pounds of honey. D. il. Lintncr's eight hives bad increased to six- teen, and made l'J5 pounds of honey. U. H. Mcisky's sixtesn hives bad increased to twenty-three, and made oOO pounds of honey. Jacob Christ wintered five hives last winter ; three of these gave one bumlred pounds of honey, but two of them were good for nothing. Peter S. Reist, in the spring, sold all but twenty- five hives, and had ecTcnteen natural swarms, which increased to forty-two, from which he realized COO pounds of box honey. S. K. Boyer, from one Italian and one black swarm, got about thirty pounds of honey. The Italian swarm produced almost twice as much honey as did the black. From nineteen colonies, in the spring, under charge of I. G. .Martin, there were now 38, and a honey yield of Ol'i pounds was reported, 224 of extracted boncv and l!8f') of comb honey. In all the above eases the season was reported to have been unfavorable for honey, and the bees are now in good condition. Wintering Bees. I. G. Martin gave his method of wintering bees on the summer stand : Remove all the frames but six, and, if the colony is not very strong, take them all out but five, or even four, and then put in a tighl- fittinadivision board, so that the bees are very much crowded, then they can keep warm much better. Make a large box that will give about three inches 172 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ November space between it and the hive all around, and six in- ches higher than the hive. The hive is then set in the box, and a passage is kept open between the two by placing two strips of board, three inches long and one-half inclj thick, on the IJottom of the box — one on each side of the entrance. A piece of board, three inches wide, is then laiti across the two strips, 80 that the bees can pass out and In when the weather will permit. The cover is then taken oil' the hive and two sticks, one-half inch thick, are laid across the frames and a piece of cloth is spread on the frames, covering the wliole top of the hive. Tlien all the space around and over the hive is filled with dry wheat chaff; then a tight cover should be put on to keep it dry. Chaff is preferable, because the work can be done as soon as the honey season is past; it can be done at odd hours, when it will not interfere with other business ; the packing prevents the escape of any scent of honey from the packed hives to attract bees from other colonies ; the bees have an oppor- tunity to fly at any time during the winter when the weather will permit ; there is no carrying of heavy hives filled with honey to and from the bee-house; during the cold weather of May these packed hires will be much warmer than those outside. The bees will spread over more surface of comb, a larger amount o'f brood will be found there, and the colony will increase in size much faster and sooner than it could be made to do on the summer stand without protection ; after the bees are prepared for winter they need no more care till the following April. A bos can be made of good pine lumber, with a good bot- tom and tight board roof, at a cost of about sixteen cents, and if they are put in the dry through the summer they will last for yeais. S. K. Boycr thought that if bees are properly cared for and then hung up in a shed, no cold could injure them. He bored ten holes in the top of each hive, and when he took off the surplus honey, pla«ed a small cotron cushion over these holes, placing in turn an extra box over that. Every particle of sweat es- capes and is absorbed by the cushion, and there ic no danger of the bees freezing. J. F. Hershey said he had never succeeded in win- tering on a summer stand; he has a house into which he moves his bees in winter. D. H. Lintner winters on the summer stand. This fall he opened the lower part of the hive, took out the frames and drummed the bees together, only leaving enough in the body of the hive to cover the comb, then he carefully covered them. U. K. Meisky tried every plan of wintering bees, and lost in all of them, but thought the summer stand plan was the best. Peter S. Keist found that wintering them on the summer stand was the best, even if nothing is done to them. He would recommend that the whole box, or at least the frames, be covered. Do Bees Sting Fruit. In the discussion of this much mooted question J. F. Hershey gave his denmonstration of the negative. He had taken a bunch of grapes from the vine, dipped them in honey, and laid the bunch inside of an Italian hive. When he opened the hive he found that the honey had all been cleaned off the fruit, but not a grape was broken. He then cut a few of the grapes open, replaced the bunch and shut the hive. When he again examined the fruit he found that the grapes cut by him were eaten, but the others were untouched : not a grape had been broken by the bees. Mr. H. showed some grapes which had been in the midst of a swarm of bees for forty-one days. Some of .them were glued together with wax, but not one was broken. He had seen bees run over whole bunches of sound grapes and never stop until they came to a broken skin. Jlessrs. Boyer, Martin, Lintner, Meisky and Dif- fenderffer had made similar experiments and obser- vations, all with the same result. That settles it. Bees do not sting healthy fruit. Freezing Bees. Messrs. Boyer, Hershey and Lintner agreed in the view that bees do not freeze. They may starve, and this is mistaken for freezing, but they are blooded, often lie dormant as if frozen, but revive when warmed and do not freeze to death. Foundation for Comb. Mr. Hershey read a paper taking strong ground for the utility and profit of a comb foundation. It saves one-fifth labor. With a foundation 12 inches square 2,000 bees can go to work at once, but if they begin with an empty frame, only five or six can begin to work, and very gradually a few more and much time is lost. I. G. Witmer agreed with this view, and other members expressed themselves altogether in favor of using a comb foundation. The association adjourned to meet on the second Monday in February, 1879. LINN.«;AN SOCIETY. A stated meeting of the society was held on Satur- day, October 2ti, Vice President P,ev. J. H. Dubbs in the chair. Six members present. Donations to the Museum. A rare and remarkable fish caught in the Susque- hanna river, below Safe Harbor, by Mr. .Sheets, fisherman, was handed to Dr. S. S. Rathvon, by whom it was submitted to the chairman on Ichthy- ology, Mr. J. Stauffer. This odd compound of rep- tile, ganoid and trout, was new, but its relation to the western mudfish, the Amia occidentaih, was at once seen upon close inspection. This specimen is believed to be the Amia calca^ from the waters of Carolina. DeKay says : " From various but imper- fect reports, I have reason to believe that the Ainia C'alva is also found in Pennsylvania." Mr. Stauffer says from all he can learn this fact was not before established, as is it now is beyond a doubt. It is said there are ten species in North America. Anda is the only genus of the family Xxiijtte, expressly made to receive this singular class of fish. Dr. Kirt- land states that a species is frequently taken in Lake Erie, where it is known as the " dog fish " and the " lake lawyer." It is distinguished by its ferocious looks and voracious habits. The flesh is rank, rough and not eatable. It is as a soft rayed fish, mouth much like a trout, but Dr. Vogt, in 184.5, found its internal structure to agree with the primitive order of fishes, the Ganoids; only it has no bony scales, but the air bladder is cellular, like the lungs of rep- tiles, and has a pair of tubular nostrils (cirri-like) on the upper part of the mouth and a buckler (so called) between the branches of the lower jaw, like a pocket. Why called Buckler is uncertain ; the word " Buccal," means appertaining to the mouth. This is certainly an interesting as well as an " odd fish." An enormous puff-ball, from Martha Kamp, of No. 419 High street, Lancaster city, weighing four pounds, and measuring thirty and one-half inches, and twenty-eight inches in circumference ; a variety of the Lycoperdon giqanUum. Bottle A. 1., a Red Bat, Veapertiiio 7ioi'eboracenU, by Linn:eus Rathvon ; Bot. B. 2, sundry insects, Bot. c. 3, para- sitic crusticians. {Itiopodian) the TAvonecn ofulis, of Hager, CymMhoa ovalia of Say. This was found fastened by its sharp claws to the gills of a rock fish — per L. Rathvon. Bot. d, 4, of edible snails, and larvffi of Lepidopterous, apparently those of the Abraxes or currant moth, collected by Mrs. Gibbons, in France, with a variety of other insects. Bot. E, 5, "Camel Cricket," {Mantis Carolina), a wheel bug. JiedHviua norinariics, wood borer, spiders, &c., from A. Heinitsh, D. D. Rohrer, S. P. Eby and C. R. Bear, severally in the order named. Bot. 7, G. Larva, pupa, cocoon and image of the willow saw- fly, Selandria nalisix. Mrs. Gibbons also presented a chalk-cliff flint, picked up from a public road in France, Macadamized with it ; also, large pods and seeds of a poppy employed for extracting oil for various uses. Prom New Providence we received two specimens of rich ocraceous oxide of iron. The balance of minerals, fossils, etc., of Mrs. Dr. Korfoot. Bot H. 8. Specimen of edible and pleasant flavored pepper. The yellow fruited Capsinnn, per C. A. Heinitsh . He also had for inspection the skeletonized fibrous portions of a Oucnrbilaceux vegetable, used in Japan for a wash-rag. It may do for horses, but rather coarse for a delicate person to use. A bril- liant red card with Chinese characters — translated, " His Imperial Chinese Majesty's Envoy Extraordi- nary and Minister Plenipotant.iary — Chen Lan Pin," one of two given to Rear Admiral Wm. Reynolds. Also, a Chinese writing by one of the Prophets on both sides of a smooth bark, presented to Mrs. HeinitBh. These are interesting to look at. To the Historical Collections. A massive key of the old Lancaster jail, about l.SO years old, from Samuel Evans, esq., obtained from the Peart family, near Columbia. Mrs. Zell men- tioned that there was a bunch, among which were even larger keys, that her father had bought among old iron, which she would look up, and has since found them. 'Squire Evans also donated a pair of monstrous iron clad wooden-soled brogans, left in exchange for lighter ones by a Russian peasant, with the Peart family fifty years ago. J. Stauffer also donated a map of the borough of Lancaster, on parchment, giving the lots and num- bers enclosed in different colors, to distinguish those of the Hamilton estate (Adamstown included) lots of Mr. Samuel Bethel, those of Henry and John Moser and Isaac Whitelock. Complied from the original surveys. This map is very old — ink very pale. Donations to the Library. Circular, "Bureau of Education," No. 1,1878. The Lancaster Farmer, for October, 1878, and sundry book notices and circulars. Papers Read. J. Stauffer read a paper. No. .504, on the Amia, illustrated by a correct drawing of tlie tish. Dr. S. S. Rathvon read a descriptive list of articlesi de- posited. No. 505. Mrs. Zell had a few plants to be named. Scientific gossip on the fish, scolopeudron, etc., was indulged in. Under new business a bill for alcohol and fish for thirty cents ordered to be paid ; Mr. Heinitsh declined charging for the jar. A vote of thanks was had for the same. After a pleasant session the only regrets expressed wa» the meagre attendance at these meetings, and the want of more active co-operation in the building up of this society to give it a wider field of usefulnessr Thanks are due to those who deposit matters of scientific or historical interest ; many things become lost through the negligence and indifference of persons having relics in their possession. On motion, adjourned to Saturday, November 30. FULTON FARMERS' CLUB. The October meeting was held at the residence of Josiah Brown, Fulton township, October 5th. Mem- bers all present. The visitors in attendance by invi- tation were Levi Kirk, Alfred Wood, Joel Carter, Isaac Bradley, Samuel Brown, of Morgan county, Ohio, and Lewis Brown. Montillion Brown exhibited two apples from trees that were bought for the Golden Russet. One of them was a red apple, splashed with brown, and covered with small white dots. The other, a striped apple, resembling the Northern Spy. No one present was able to identify them. He also exhibited aFalla- wiiter apple and double potatoes. Wm. King exhibited an apple for name. N«t named. Franklin Tollinger, corn raised from seed from Kansas, and planted on the 24tli of June. One of the ears was yellow ; the rest of them red. All the ears solid color. The corn was well ripened ; grains very soft and mellow. Rebecca D. King exhibited an ear of corn that had been pulled green and dried on the cob. Josiah Brown, very large sweet potatoes, one of which measured fourteen and a half inches in length. Questions Asked and Answered. Day Wood asked the opinion of the club whether wheat was likely to advance in price or not. Very few of those present looked for much advance, but most of thera thought it best to hold it while under a dollar per bushel. .\i ontillion Brown : Is it the experience of members of this club that manures that produce large fodder will also make large ears? Day Wood h.ad noticed the corn on a piece of ground where manure from the hog pen had been applied. Some of the very large stalks had no eari on them, and on the remainder the ears were small in proportion to the size of the stalk. C. S. Gatchell : Highly manured ground will pro- duce large fodder, but the ears will not be in propor- tion. Bone makes large ears. E. H. Haines : Stable manure that ii in a great measure composed of straw will produce an excess of straw. Bone increases the yield of grain more than straw. The experience and observation of other members confirmed this opinion. Isaac Bradley recommended mixing fertilizers, or rather spreading each kind over all the ground where the crop was to be put in, thus making it all alike ; woidd top dress with lime ; most other fertilizers ■would plow down. Rachel B. Gatchell; Is there any advantage in souring milk at this season of the year. Melissa Gregg, Mary A. Tollinger, Deborah Jack- son, Rebecca D. King and Grace A. King were all of the opinion that there was very little if any advan- tage in it at any time, if the milk was set in a warm place. E. H. Haines puts souring in his milk during cold weather. Dairymen do it because they have found by experience that the cream will separate from the milk better when soured. He had not yet found one that could give any reason why it should be so. R. B. Gatchcl : Freezing milk has the same effect. Dinner was now announced, and the morning ses- sion came to a close. Afternoon Session. After doing justice to the many good things set before them, the club were taken over the farm by Lewis Brown, brother of the host, who was at the time in poor health. When again convened in the house, the observa- tions made ob the manner of conducting the farm were such as might be expected to be made after looking at one of the best farms in the lower end of the county, stocked with fine short horns, and care- fully cultivated. As one of the members observed, it was an extra farm and in extra order. The host made the following report of his farm : 12 acres of wheat, 30 bushels per acre ; corn last year, 70 bushels per acre ; clover seed, 2i}^ bushels off nearly fourteen acres. Literary Exercises. Sadie Brown, daughter of the host, read " The Aspect of the Times and its Lesson," by Longfellow. Anna E. Wood read, from the Practical Farmer, a humorous articled entitled " The Proceedings of the Bungtown Farmers' Club," in which some good ideas were thrown out. C. S. Gatchell read "The Thoughts we Think," from the same paper; Sadie Brown, "The Old Store House," an original essay written by one of the members, giving some interesting reminiscences of the times twenty-five years ago, when he first came into the neighborhood, and commenced the mercau- 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 173 tile bu6iDcts. There are but three or four of the famlliei who patroiiizca hie store at that time that roniiiiii unliiokcii. 8he also nmd a communication from Ihe Uia Man," ft niysterloim corrcspomicnt, who sometimes writes to tlic dub under tlie aliove noimle plume, U'ivint; tlic foibles of society some very hard blows in his own peculiar way. He had not intended to write to the club any more, but. they would keep discussing questions which ex- cited the Old Woman and made it decidedly warm lor him. She had heard tlicy were about to discuss the (lucstion whether the sicns were reliable, when slie knew that if you planted pumpkins in the wrom; si"n they wouid turn out squashes, and that if you took a calf otf a cow in the riirht tisru she would not bawl. She had tried it, once, but still the cow intidd bawl. But she Ibund lliat her udder was sore, and that wascnouirh to make any cosv bawl. When ani- mals were killed in eerlain signs the meat would shrink, etc. . v ^ ,■ i . r m Kor his part he knew of one sign that did not tail. When he saw the old woman with the border of her cap turned back, lire iu her eye .nnd a broomstick in her hand, it was a sign that she was coming. Discussion. The question— "Have the pliases of the Moon any intluence over the weather, or the signs of the Zodiac any inlluence over vegetable or animal life?" was next taken up, when it was found that the man in the almanac had no followers in the club; at least no one was willing to acknowledge his faith in " signs." The question— "Would it pay farmers to clear out the underbrusli in woodlands for the benelit of the timber?" was adopted for consideration at next meeting. Adjourned to meet at the residence of Joseph U. Blackburn at the regular time next mouth. AGRICULTURAL. Fall Plowing. Constant reiteration of the many advantages of fall plowing seems desirable to induce farmers in general to adopt it in their practice. The most im- portant part of all cultivation is perlbrmed by nature, and if the farmer will but plow his fields iu the fall she will work all winter, pulverizing, sweetening, and preparing the soil for future crops. With her mechanical and chemical forces she will do more in forming a proper seedbed for the spring planting than half a dozen plowings would ctlect iu spring time. Will not 'ivery farmer do his humble part in assisting nature to develop the productiveness of field and garden ? Subjected as we are to the baneful elfects of droughts every vear, for periods of longer or shorter duration, and frequently following immediately upou a wet spring, it is desirable to get the crops in at the earliest possible moment in the spring, and to cover the ground with vegetation belbre the sun's rays be- come so powerful in aid of drought, lleuce the necessity of fall plowing iu advancing the condition and preparation of the soil, so that liarrowing and planting may proceed at an early date. At no time is it more convenient lor man and beast to break up sod-land than in the autumn ; and, on the other hand, no season of the year is so fraught with press- ing duties as spriug time. in plowing we sliould aim at quality rather than quantity, since the prime object is the amelioration of the soil for the succeeding crops— plowing as deep as the soil will allow without bringiugupoveran inch or so of the subsoil at a single operation ; hold- ing small furrows, and laying them up at consider- able angle, so that the rain will not remain long at the surface. By such means we insure the soil all the benefits which the changes of weather can pro- duce. The atmosphere will penetrate, because the moisture can easily escape. The soil must become pulverized and will be ready to work in the spring much sooner than land that is untouched ; while the latter, also, lying Hatter, and with no surface drain- age, will quite likely be saturated more or less with water, and will turn up raw and stubborn at the very time that the autumn-plowed laud is ready to receive a crop. Inverting the surface of the ground smothers the surface weeds and exposes tlie earth under the root weeds to the action of the frost, by turning up the furrow-slice to the air. It is self-evident that the more closely the inverted surface can be placed and the more exposed the under part of the furrow slice can be exhibited to the influence of the frost, the better is the chance of smotheriug the surface weeds and of killing the roots of the root weeds. The highest advantages of plowing may be obtained by placing the narrow furrow-slice at an angle of +5° with the horizon, and yet careless, shiftless plowing in heavy lands freiiuently lays a loosened I'urrow right ou its back over the surface of a rib of land perhaps left untouched by the plow. Worms, grubs and insects in the sod are quite likely to be destroyed by the exposure of the thin sod to the action of the frost and cold. Numerous other advantages atten- dant upon fall plowing will suggest themselves to the fanner who is determined to thoroughly investi- gate its merits and its practice. — A>nerican Cultii'iilor. ^ Depth to Sow Wheat. The sooner the kernel sprouts and gets above the ground the better and stronger the plant and the thicker it will stand. To illustrate: in my younger days 1 made experiments with the ilepths of plantiii!; wlicat ; I planted the kernels of a whole head in this manner, in one of our garden beds (ground spaded twelve inches deep). 1st, kernel on the surface ; 'id, one-fourth inch deep ; :id, one-half inch deep, and soon (a ((uarter of an inch deeper each time) until the kernels were planted. Tin' results— the one on the surface lay nearly two weeks before it sprouted and made roots ; the 2d, one-fourth inch deep, and up to three-fourths, came up the 4tli and Hfth days, while the next were later; the last one up was four- teen days iu reaching the surface, and was three and one-half inches deep ; none came up afterthat time; on examining I found that the three next kernels were sprouted, but rotted before they got the sprout to the surface ; the kernels, planted from five to seven inches deep rotted without a sign of sprouting. We had the kernels planted six inches apart in two rows. At the end of six weeks the plants stood thus : The first had three straws, quite strong; the one-fourth, 21 straws ; the half-inch, 17 straws, and soon; three and one-half inch, a very weak single straw ; it never got strong ; although it grew a small or short head, the few kernels it contained were plump and good ; the one inch had eleven straws at six weeks, but only perfected seven good heads, while the one fourth inch perfected twenty- one good beads. The one on the surface made three good heads, the same as the one planted two inches deep. Export of Breadstuffs. Europe at peace is a good customer for our bread- stuffs. Since the Berlin settlement was made, the advance iu American wheat for export has been very marked. Within two weeks the winter grades have gone up about ten cents a bushel, and the movement of grain to the Continent is now almost unprece- dentcdly great. The demand arises from the short crops in Europe, and is of that kind which may hap- pen any year on the Continent, whether the nations are at war or not. The unfavorable weather, more than the withdrawal of any number of Russians from the field during the late conflict, is the cause of the scanty supplv abroad. No long ago American speculators were reckoning on the contingency of a general European war as the only thing that would make a foreign market for our enormous wheat crops. They are now surprised to see the same de- sirable event coming about without such a convul- sion preceding it. The present foreign demand for American breadstuB's shows the futility of calcula- tions in such matters. It is a lesson to speculators not to put too much dependence on what they hear, and never to pin their faith on the expectations of war, than which nothing is more uneerta n. After all, it is Europe at peace that buys the most of our various products, and is best able to pay for them. Eor a steady and profitable customer, commend us to a nation that is not always fighting.— xVcw York Journal of Commerce. HORTICULTURAL. Covering the Vines and Plants. The advii-e cannot be too often given to all who cultivate vines and [ilants, as to their protection through the winter and early spring. We have found, after a good many years of experieni'e, tliat there is no mode of guarding all vines and plants not entirely liafdy against our occasionally aeverc winters, as'laying Iheiit ilumi and coi'cring tluiii with wit. Of coiirse we mean those which can he so treated. The covering should not be more than two to four inches, according to the nature of the tiling laid down, (f loo much earth is used, the buds, from the heat of the L'round in March, may burst too early, and may be dainUL'-eil by a late frost when taken up, which 'sliouhl rarely be done before the first frcst of Aiiril. All young grapevines should be laid down, though it will prove of great benefit, in our judgment, to all grapevines young and old, hardy and otherwise, to prune tbem and lay them down and cover them with a few inches of soil. All rasp- berry canes also sliould be pruned and laid down; so should roses that arc liable to damage from the frost. Strawing-up roses and other deciduous flowers and shrubbery, as it Is usually done— that is binding them as tightly almost as a pole— is far more injuri- ous to them tliaii no prolection al all. When straw- ing-up is resorted to,',it should be ajipUed uiihj on tlie side erpnxed In I he mm . All flower borders should have a good covering or stable manure— horse manure being very good for this purpose. In the siiring the long stuff shonhl be raked ofl', and the rest forked in. It will not ouly protect the roots against all injury during the winter, but the plants will appear in tli* sprini: greatly in- vigorated, and the flowers will be much more abun- dant and prove of much higher colors and gn-ater beauty. Even leaves, straw, debris of any kind; or, if there be nothing else, a slight covering of soil, will be of good service. We trust that no one who values the things about the premises here referred to, will neglect this brief advice — and Xovemher is the time to attend to it. — Germantoum Telegraph. Autumn Top-Dressing. We notice in several agricultural journals strong recommendations to top-drc^s grass lands iu the autumn. Now, while we have no doubt ol the elli- cacy of this suggestion, in a general sense, and have often advocated it, we think there are some grass lands which would be better if this application were made early in the spring. In fields where the ground has a tendency to heave, throwing up the grass and exposing the roots to the direct action of the frost, autumn top-dressing which will protect the ground is much to be preferred, and the applicaiion can be made either with the aftermath, straw or manure, as the soil may seem to require. If the ground is not liable to heave, a coat of manure as early in the spriiin- as it can be applied will insure a large crop of grass" There need be no fear of the manure inter- fering with the mowing of the crop or the making of the hay, inasmuch as we have found that it is soon beaten down by the rains, and is quite out of reach of the operations of harvesting by the time that period arrives. — Germantown Telegraph. The Business of Farming. There is no business panning out better these hard times than farming. There is one good thing about farming, a man can always raise enough to cat, if he is of any account. He can raise his potatoes, cab- bages, onions, turnips, beets, etc. He can grow the strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries, grapes and apples, and other fruits to satisfy the wants of his family. He can have poultry and eggs the year round. He can produce his own pork, and make bacon and lard to last a year. He can have veal and mutton and heet.—Hural Worid, Our Great Apple Crop. This year's ap|ile crop is now gathered and it is one of the richest the country has ever had. In some regions apples are so iilenty that they are fed to'pigs, cows and horses, and Ihe cider mills are everywhere pressing out more eider than they can readily dispose of. This very palatable and healthful drink may be bou'^ht in tli« countrv at one dollar and one dollar and a half a barrel, and it ought to be on draught m the cities at a price which would tempt the poorest customers. There is no need of anybody's drinking sham cider this year. The real juice of the apple is plenty enough for any dcmanil there is likely to be for it. A splendid apple crop can fortunately now be dis- posed of to much better advantaL'C than formerly. An extensive European demand for our a|iples has grown up within recent years, and this autumn we are exporting more of them than ever before, though the prices are very low, running 7.5 ceuts to tl.fi2 a barrel, according "to quality, so great is the supply. Vast quantities of apples are regularly shipped to Europe by steamer. The inanifest of one vessel from this "port last week showed that she carried 4,ri71 barrels, and all the outgoing European steam- ers are weighted with them. A Boston steamer took a 000 barrels last Wednesday, the largest shipment of apples ever made from that port. Three steam- ship lines from Boston have engaged to carry more than 40,000 barrels, and the export from New \ork will reach an enormous and unpn-ecdented total. If the fruit is carefullv liieked ami seleited and well packed, it reaches Euroi'e in good condition and brings a fair profit to the sender. A|)|>les ought to be plenty and cheap in England this autumu.— -V. Y. Sun. Largest Orchard in the World. The largest uridiard in the world is iloubtlcss that owned and worked verv successfully by Mr. Robert McKihbtry, of Hudson, ('.>lunibia county, N. \. Mr. MeK.'s orcharil is procuring for him a world-wide reputation, and be has inanv visitors. Like all fruit- growers and others of kin to that profession, he is kindly and liberallv disposed, and has no secrels to rescrvi' from others \s ho are interested in his labors. Theorcnard is situated on the east bank of the Hud- son river, on high rolling tabic land, and occupies .SOO acres, and contains more than 21,000 ai.|)le trees, 1 700 pears, 4,000 cherries ."ioO iieaches. 200 plums, 200 crabs, 1,000 vines, 0,00 currants and 200 chest- nuts. The varieties grown are : Rhode Island (ireening, 0,00(1; Bahlwins, (1,000; King of lomkms Co- 4 000; Astrachans, .SOO; Northern Spy, .'500; Wa<'ener, .IOO; (iiavenstein, 400; Cranberry I'lppins, •'00~Ben. Davis, 200; Dutchess of Oldenburg, '-00; with .louathans, Hubbarstone, Cayuiras, \ ander- veers,BellHower6,rearmain6, Peck's Pleasants, twen- ty-ounce Pippins, Kussets and others iu less nuntjer, 174 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [November, Curious Fact About Potato Seed. We have been informed that several farmers in the vicinity of Gwynedil station have this year lost their entire potato crop because of the use of imperfect seed for planting. Quite a lar2;e quantity of seed potatoes were procured in the city and distributed through the ueighborliood, and were duly planted in the usual manner. To the surprise of those con- cerned tlje potatoes never came up, and it was not discovered what was the matter uuiil it was too late to replace them. Then it was found that the dealer or shipper of the potatoes, which probably came from the East or from Jersey, had sprinkled salt over them to prevent their sprouting while in his hands. This may be no injury to potatoes intended for the table, but in this case at least the germinating power seems to have been only too well destroyed. The lesson of it is that those farmers who buy pota- toes for seed along the city wharves should be careful to see that they have not been salted. Salt is a good thing in the right place, but that place is uot a potato bin. — DoytcKtown Inlellirjcucer. ^ Saving Cabbages Till Spring. We know of no better way to preserve cabbages through the winter than that which we have recom- mended for a number of years. It is to plant or set them up in rows as they grow — that is with the roots down — fill in with soil pretty freely, then make a covering by planting two posts where there is a fence to rest on, or four where there is not, allowing for a pitch to carry oft' the water ; lay bean-poles opposite the way of the pitch and ct)Vcr with cornfodder or straw or boards. In using through the winter avoid as much as possible the sun side and close up again. We have kept our cabbages for about twenty 3'ears this way in a perfect state through the winter and into the spring, and could even up to the first of May if desirable. Wa see other methods recommended, and they may answer just as well, but as to our own we speak from along experience. — Germantowii Tel. Preserving Grapes. In keeping grapes the first requisite is to have well- grown and well-ripened specimens. If too green they will shrink, or in a moist apartment they will rot. If over ripe they will decay sooner. Next they should be placed in a cool aj)artment, nearly or quite down to freezing. The rich juice of well-ripenened grapes will keep them from harm if several degrees below the freezing point. They should next be packed in some dry, soft substance. Dry cotton bat- ting will answer, but baked sawdust from some soft wood that will uot impart a bad taste to them, will answer better. Maple leaves, placed in alternating layers with the bunches, have done well. It is very important tliat the grapes be put up when not covered with any moisture, but well dried, and with all de- fective berries removed. — Ainerican Cultivator. Quinces. The quince tree does not require more room than the average dwarf pear. Tlie orange variety is the best. It can be grown anywhere where the soil is rich and not too wet. Along -a wall or fence is a good location. The trees should stand about eight feetajiart and be set rather deep. See that there are no worms in the stem at the ground, a little below and above the surface, at planting. These pests will attack every tree, and should be ferreted out in spring and fall ; but they will probably got the upper hand and finish the tree in from six to nine years. This must be expected and provided against by having another batch of trees coming on and ready to take the place of those now bearing. This is better tlian attempting to keep alive old, sickly trees, whose usefulness is over. — GcvmaiUou'u I'cle- grajjh. DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Feeding Apples. Apples are very healthful and agreeable food for stock of all kinds, and rather than sell them for a few cents a bushel wo would feed them. They may be kept by pitting them, as is done with potatoes, and covering with straw and earth. If put in small pits, one may be opened and used at a time. We should rather feed them separately than boil them with roots or corn, as then they will help the appe- tite for other food. A peck a day would be a mode- rate quantity to feed one cow or ])ig. When feeding pumpkins and potatoes boiled, we would give some corn whole and dry. Some dry feed makes more solid pork than when all the food is cooked. — Ameri- can Agrlciituri»t. The Peach Borer. Four years asro I heard that ivinter onions or shal- lots set around the trees would prevent borers from working on peach trees. I tried the experiment on fifty trees just set, and on examining them to-day I find many trees not thus protected are fnll of worms, but I have never found a worm on one with onions growing around it. I set eight to twelve around each tree, — Prarie Farmer. Storing Turnips. The turnip, of perhaps all roots, is the most im- patient of heat. It starts to grow on the slightest provocation. In a cellar of not over 40 degrees, one may find it growing freely, after an incarceration of but a few weeks. It is growth which is the great enemy of preservation, and it is heat which excites growth. There is a natural heat in roots when put in a heap — a little heat from one root and a little more from another soon makes a pretty high degree; but in the open field this is carried off. It accumu- lates. The roots sprout, and thus give off more heat, and it all soon becomes a regular turnip stew. The turnip indeed does not mind a little frost. If they were put in small lots in stalls, where the frost could get at tliem, and covered with straw to prevent rapid thawing, they would keep better than if covered with earth, which rather serves, as we have seen, to col- lect the heat and boll the roots. As to how best to keep turnips, that will, of course, depend on each person's conveniences. But if each one keeps in view the fact that heat is more likely to injure them than cold — and a very low de- gree of heat at that — he will readily find out when he looks about what is the best way for him to pre- serve them. — Gennantown Telegraph. The Best is Always Demanded. Not only do rich consumers demand the best arti- cle, but all who have the means to buy and the sense to discriminate, demand the same thing. They will turn up their noses at the inferior article, and take the superior one every time. Honey, as well a fiour, beef, cheese, apples or grain will bring the highest price and readiest sale, when it is of the first quality, and put up in attractive style. Poor honey, as well as poor butter, is a drug in the market. And yet many cling to their old notions and put up their honey in clumsy and un- attractive packages, and then grumble because they cannot sell it at the highest price paid for a first-class and attractive article, forgetting that it is the gilt- edged article that brings remunerative prices and a brisk demand. The market now demands light honey in single- comb boxes, and in another year no other will find sale without the aid of a steam engine or some such power to push it off. The enterprising, the wide- awake bee-keeper will use prize boxes — Uaving the 6, 12 and 24 pound boxes for old fossils to use, and to whine over them because they don't sell them at any price. It makes no differeuce where it comes from — the best and most attractive goods are always in demand. — Amerieun Bee Journal. Hams. For preserving hams or beef take six gallons of water, nine pounds of salt, three pounds of sugar, one gallon molasses, three ounces saltpeter and one ounce of saloratus. Mix these ingredients and heat ito a boiling point, skimming off all the impurities. When cold pour it on the meat. Do not rate the amount of materials according to the amount of meat, but mix in the proportions given, and use enough of the mixture to cover the meat. This method cures the hams and leaves them tender and juicy. They never get hard. Leave the hams in the [>ickle from four to six weeks, according to their size. It takes longer to cure large hams than it does small ones. Always move the hams after they have been in the pickle throe days. Take them out and pack them over. This is necessary, for when they are closely packed together some parts of the hams do not have a chance to be penetrated by the pickle. Kei'p beef in the same way, except boil over the pickle before warm weather in the spring. — Farmers' IJoiiie Journal. Frying Raw Potatoes. We thought we knew how to fry raw potatoes, but found we were mistaken when a lady friend, who came to stop with us for a few davs, convinced us she had ab.tter way. And such a little ditrerciiec there was in the cooking of them, too — to make them so much nicer. The secret was in keeping them covered as they cooked. The potatoes were washed, pared and sliced thin, put to fry in a spider previously heated and buttered, the same as I was in the habit of doing ; salted to taste, too, and to think that just keeping them cov- ered should make so much difference and improve- ment— in the way of cookinc them. They would come to the table so crispy and crusted, with scarce- ly a slice broken, owing to the care of handling, when being turned over. Oh ! they are nice, and taste just as mother's did at home. Scotch Shokthread. — Rub together into a stifl', short paste two pounds flour, one pound butter a'nd six ounces loaf sugar; make it into square cakes, about a half inch thick, |)inch them all along the edge at the top; over the whole surface of the cakes sprinkle some white comfits; put the cakes on tins so as to touch each other ou their edges, and bake in a slow oven. Household Receipts. Apple Float. — One pint of eood, stewed apples, which arc free from lumps, whites of three eggs, well beaten, four tablespoonfuls of powdered sugar. Beat the apple, eggs and sugar together until stiff enough to stand alone. Make a soft, boiled custard ; flavor with vanilla ; pour into a deep dish, and pile the float on top. Cold-water Cake. — Three and a half cups of flour, two of raisins, chopped fine ; two of sugar, a cup of butter, a cup of cold water, the yolks of six effgs, well beaten ; half a teaspoonful each of cloves, cinnamon and soda, and a little nutmeg. Gaud Gingerbkead.— One-half cup buttermilk, one cup melted butter, two cups molasses, two eggs, one tablespoonful of ginger and one teaspoonful of soda ; mix as soft as can roll, and roll an inch thick; this will make four cards. To Renovate Gilt Frames. — Take sufficient flour of sulphur to give a golden tinge to about a pint and a half of water, and in this boil four or five bruised onions; strain oft' the liquid, and with it, when cold, wash with a soft brush any gilding which requires restoring. Cheese Omelet.— Butter the sides of a deepdish, cover the bottom with thin slices of cheese, place upon this very thin slices of bread, well buttered, a little red pejiper and mustard, another layer of cheese, and, just before putting in the oven, beat the yolk of an egg in a cup of cream and pour into the dish. Bake for half an hour, or until it is nicely browned. Game Birds. — Fine game birds are always heavy for their size; the flesh of the breast is firm and plump, and the skin clear; and if a few feathers be plucked from the inside of the leg and around the vent, the flesh of freshly-killed birds wi'l be fat and fresh-colored; if it is dark and discolored, the game has been hune a long time. The wings of irood ducks, geese, pheasants and woodcock are tender to the touch ; the tips of the long wing-feathers of partridges are pointed in young birds and round in old ones. Quail, snipe, and small birds should have full, tender breasts. Corn Oysters. — Fifteen ears sugar corn, grated. Salt and pepper to taste. One cup of grated bread, four eggs, yelks beten light, whites to a stiff froth just before baking. Grease the griddle well with butter. Bake like griddle cakes the size of oysters. Scrape the juice out of the cob; do not grate too closely. Late in tlie season add a little cream. A Nice Way to Cook Young Chickens. — Take younir chickens, dress them as usual, take them apart at each joint, wash them and place them in a drip- ping pan, and just cover them with sweet thin cream, season with salt, pepper and a little butter, put them in the oven to cook. When the cream is almost cooked awa}' the chickens are done. They are splen- did cooked in this way. Beef Omilet. — Theee pounds of beef chopped fine; three eggs beaten togethe-; six crackers rolled fine; one tablespoonful of salt, one teaspoonful of pepper, one tablesjioonful of melted butter; sage to the taste; mix well and make like a loaf of bread ; pnt a little water and bits of butter into the pan; in- vert another pan over it; baste the omelet occasion- ally; bake an hour and a quarter, and when cold slice very thin. Scalloped Mutton. — Cut cold boiled or roast mutton into bits, removing all skin and gristle. If you have no gravy, make it by stewing the scraps and bones in a little water, then season with pepper, salt and tomato catsuji, and strain it over the meat. Boil some potatoes, and mash them while hot until they are free from lumps, then beat with a fork until white and liirht ; add a lump of butter, some milk, and lastly a beaten eag. Mix well, then place the meat and gravy in a pu.lding-dish ; spread the mashed potato — which should be quite soft — smoothly on top, brush it evenly with a beaten egg and bake it in a quick oven until it is a beautiful golden brown. This makes an excellent breakfast dish and can be prepared — ready I'or baking — tlie night before. F.special care should be taken to have plenty of gravy, as it is absorbed in cooking, and the dish will not be so palatable if too dry. Tapioca Jelly. — Soak a cup of tapioca over night in a pint of water. In the morning set it on the back part of the stove and add a cupful of warm water ; let it simmer slowly, stirring it often to pre- vent burning. Cook until it looks clear, and if too thick add a Ittle boiling water. Flavor with sugar and lemon juice, and turn into wet moulds to cool. Serve with sweet cream flavored with vanilla and sugar to taste, and a little gr.ited nutmeg. Rice Blanc Manoe. — Mix four tablespoonfuls of rice flour in a little cold milk, add a pinch of salt. Stir this into a quart of boiling milk, and boil and stir for ten minutes. When partly cool add the whites of two or three eggs beaten to a froth and cook again until almost lioiling, then torn into a wet mould. Serve with cream sweetened and flavored. Farina, or arrow-root, may, be cooked in the same manner, omitting the eggs and the second boUing, 1878. THE LANCASTER FARMER' d75 LIVE STOCK. Horses With and Without Shoes. The Europeun \y.\piTS arc discussiinff the ciucstion of shoes or no shoes lor liorses, with the iirj^unieiit apparently in favor of tliose who ailvoeate hare feet. Tlic laet is eilcd that wilil liorses, neeessarily un- shod, always have fine feet, as also do the horses of most sava};e ami harharous peoi)le8, even in the roeky anif nionulainous countries. .\{;ainst the as- eerlion that the hard, inaeadamized and paved roads of eilies ami towns demand a metallie slioe, is opposed the fael that in I'orto Kieo, ut least up to 1.S40, no shoes whatever were used, yet the streets are paved and niaeadaniized. The races of St. John even, where Ijorses fjo a ndle in less than four minutes, are run on the stone i>aved streets of the town of San Juan ; and a writer in the Lii'e Slock Jounuil, (Eng.) who spent numy years in that insland, says that he almost never saw a sore-footed horse there. Hut the eelehrated veterinarian, .Mr. FleminL', comes oat stronsrly in the Vclii-iuanj .li'itrnal against hare feet, claiming that their moist climate and hard roads demand a metallic protection to tlie hoof, as proved hy experience. At any rate the new-old idea is attracting attention, and sume licn-se owners have adopted it iu practice. After removing the shoes the horse is driven only a short distance daily on a hard road, increasing gradually to from four to six miles in tlie course of a week. Water is not avoided, but grease is, as then nature is imitated the closest. Until the nail has disappeared, i. c, grown HI. HOME GUEST on Itiiil for three mouths. The Home GuKST irt dcflii?*('d the boKt family paper liow [iiibliahed. f.ach uuniber coutnius au illuMtrjit*Mi Fanhion I)oi)iirtment, a rtejiart- meiit oil WritiuK an'l PeiiniauBhip, e aiu, |0 't^- No. -2, Ornumcntid Tr.-is. etc. nitipl '<^. *^5 <"' • ; platn. I 5 CM. N'l. ,'I, <:r enli-JU i' ; No. 4» ^' ti-) i-t v-, and No. 5» Cntalu.;uc y>i l.o.-iv. rix'C'. Adore.-s- ELLWANGER & BARRY, n.che:t.,NY. lli-S-lin « AT ^ Any worker can make $12 a dayat home. Costly 10-2-ly* I Outfit free. Address True & Co,, Augusta, Me. EDW. J. ZAHM, DEALItn IN AMERICAN AND FOREIGN WATCHES, SOLID SILVER & SILVER PLATED WARE. CLOCKS, JEWELRY I TABLE CUTLERY. Sole Agent for the Arundel Tinted SPECTACLES. Repairing strictly attended to. North Queen-st, and Centre Square, Lancaster, Pa. 9-i-ly dJCC ^^'^^^ i" your own town. Terms and $"> outfit free. ^00 Address H. Hallett & Co., Portlaud, Maine, 10-2-ly» A NEW BOOK. How to Raise FRUITS. A HAND-BOOK OF FRUIT CULTURE, BEINO A GUIDE TO THE PROPER Calltvation and Management of Fruit Trees^ and of Grapes and Small Fruits, with condensed descriptions of many of the best and most l^ipular varieties, with ujiwards of one hundred engravings. By Thomas Gregg. Price $1.00. A book wifich should be owTied by every pereon who owns a rod of available laud, and it will serve to secure success wheve now there is nothing but failure. It covers the ground fully, without teehniciilities, and is a work on Fruit Culture for the S^iilion. It tells of the cost, how to plant, bow to trim, how to transidant, location, soil, selection, diseases, insects, borers, blights, cultivution, how to prune, manuring, layering, budding, grafting, etc., including full descrii>tion and man- agement of Orchurd Fruit, such as Apples. Peaches, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Quinces, Apricots, Nectarines, etc. It is a most complete Guide to Small-Fruit Culture. with many illustrations and descriptions of the latest vari eties of Grapes, Strawberries, Blackberries, Uaspberries, Gooseberries, Cut rants, etc. The work shows the value of Fruit, and how to use it. Sent by mail, post-paid, price $1 ; or The Farmer and How to raise Fruits, will be furnished at $1,75. Address 1., KATIIVOX. 22 Soutli -l-tf. GOOD BOOKS FOR THE Farm, Garden, and Household. The following is a list of A'iiluable Books, which will be supidied by the Editor of tlie Lancastkk Kaiimer, No. 101 North Queen St. Any one or more of these books will ho sent post paid to any of our renders on receipt of the rei^'ulur price which is mimed afjainst oach book. Allen's (R. L. & L. F,] New American Farm Book $2 60 Allen's (L. F.) American Cattle." 2 50 Atwood's Country Hud Suburban Houses 150 Bommer's method of Making Munurea 25 Breck's New Book of h lowers 1 75 Brill's Farm-Gardening and Seed-Growing 1 00 D;idd'8 Modern Horse Doctor, J2nio ,,. ISO Dadd's Anierican Cattle Doctor, 13 ino 1 50 Flax Culture, (Seven Prize Essays by practical growers,) 30 Fuller's Grape Culturist , 1 50 Fuller's Small Fruit Culturist 1 66 l-'ulton's I'each Culture 1 50 GrcRorj- on Squashes paper.. 30 Harris on the Pig 150 Henderson's Gardening forPlejisure 1 50 Henderson's Gardening for Profit 1 50 Henderson's Practicid Floriculture 1 50 Herbert's Hints to Horse-Keepers , ITS Hop Culture. By nine experienced cultivalore 30 Hunterand Trapper 100 Onions — How to Raise them Profitably 30 Our Farm of Four Acrae. Pa., 3Uc.; Clo., 60c., Ex.'clo. 1 00 Parsons on the Rose 1 50 (^uiuby's Mysteries of Bee-Keepiug 1 50 Qnincy (Hon. Josiah) on Soiling Cattle I 25 Quinn's Money in the Garden 1 50 Quinn's Pear Culture for Profit, 1 00 Riley's Potato Pests Paper 60 cts.; clotb., 76 Roe's Play and I*roflt iu my Garden 1 50 Stewart s Irrigaton lor the Farm, Garden Bud Orchard I 50 Stewart's Stable Book 1 50 Stewart's Shepherd's Manual 160 Stoddard's Ann Egg Farm paper, 50 cte.; cloth 75 Thomas's Farm Implements and Machinery 1 BO Tim Bunker Papers, or, Yankee Farming 160 Tobacco Culture. By fourteen experienced cultivators. 25 Waring's Draining for Profit and Health 1 50 Waring's Elements of Agriculture 1 00 White's Cranberry C\ilture 1 26 Wright's Practical Poultry-Keeper* 2 OU DWIN 4LDENQ ad\ertising/YaGENCy3 174 el'm;'"street. CrNGlNJ*ATX. OHIO. Adrertisementfl inserted in any paper. Before advertising send for my catalogae. IV. THE LANCASTR FARMER. [November, 1878 "OTTT OF V701B.TSL." BONO AND CHORUS, BT ALICE HA-WTHOHNE. Author of "Listen to the Mociin^ Bird." "I'll sail the seas over," " What is Home without a. Mother," etc., etc. " Out of work, without a penny, Pleading hel before thy door. Without friends among the many — Look with pity on the poor." * , * One of the most touching and beautiful ballads ever written, will ^ive the author a more extended popularity than anything she has ever writteu. Price 35 cents — or, illustrated title page 40 cents. For sale at all mueic stores, or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price by the publishers, J. M. RTODDAKT & CO., 9—9 723 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. ESTABLISHED 1832. G. SENER & SONS, Mauufacturers and dealers in all kinds of rough and finished The best Sawed SHUVOI^tlS iu the country. Also Sash, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c. PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any other. Also beat I'O A L couBtautly on hand. OFFICE AND YAED : Northeast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts., X.A2Sr CASTER, PA.. 9-1-1 y THE THREE POTATOES. EARIiT OHIO.— Earlier than Early Rose. Ranked by general consent, iu eailiness, yield and quality combined at the head of nil the early potatoes. BURBANK,— Medium late; a prodigious cropper; flesh remarkaijly white; quality excellent. DUN 5IORE.— A splendid late sort. A greater cropper than the Peerless, which it resembles in form, while far better in quality. Each, per Barrel, $4.00; per Bushel, $2.00; per Peck, 75 cents. My Illustrated Seed Catalogue free to all applicants. JAMES J H. GREGORY, 10-3-!2ni] ]*IarbU-l!ORrix6 in.. Shelf Specimens 25 in box 60 in box 100 in box 100 200 300 $ 50 1 50 $1 00 3 00 $1'50 6 00 $1 00 5 00 10 00 25 00 60 00 S2 00 10 00 25 00 60 00 150 00 $3 00 25 00 50 00 100 00 300 00 I have now over thirly-tive tons, and over $40,000 worth of Miaerals. mostly crystallized, iu stock. It is well recog- nized that my prices are lower and mv specimens more accurately labeled thau those of any other dealer iu the country. This is mainly due to the immense stock I carry (the largest iu minerals of auy Iu the country) and my system of j.rinted labels attached to the specimens. I can refer to the toUowiug Gentlemen and Colleges, all of whom, with th lusauds of others, have bought specimens of me; inost of them have given me especial permission to use their names as reference. Prof S F Baird Prof F V. Havden; Dr. Joseph Leidy, Prof. F. A. Gentb, Prof. J. D. and E. S. Dana, Prof. G. J. Brush Prof j'p Cooke, Prof. N. H. Winchell, Prof. S. F. Peckham, Prof. T. Eggleston, Prof. J. S. Newberry, Prol. C. F. Ch-iudier Prof R H Richards, Mrs. Prof. Ellen S. Richards, Prof. Maria S. Eaton, Prof. T. Sterry Hunt, Prof Henry How Tvm 8 Vaux, C. S Bement, N. Spang, T. A. Green, Prof. J. W. Mallett, Prof. E. A. Smith, Prof. J. Lawrence Smith Prof G A Koenig Dr. T. M. Chatard, Ph. D„ Prof. H. B. Cornwall, Prof. P. T. Austen, Laurence Malheiro, Lis- bon Portugal •' Prof Orton, Prof. Ira Kemsen, General A. Gadolin, Imp. School of Mines. St. Petersburg, Russia ; Prof A E Nordenschiold Royal Museum, Stookhohn, Sweden ; Dr. NiC'.lo Moreira, Imperial Museum, Rio de Jaueno, Brazil -"British Museum Royal Museum, Berlin ; Dr. P. E. Defferari, Italy; Harvard Unilierslty. University of Minne- sota Yale College Wisconsin Universitv, Columbia CoUege, Michigan University, Wellesley College, Illinois Industrial University Massachusetts Institute of Techuology, Col. School of Mines, Uuiversity of Virginia, University ol Missouri, Rutger's College University of Notre Dame, Princeton CoUege, University of Nashville, Johns Hopkins University, University of Georgia, Waco University, Texas; University of Ohio, and many others in Mississippi, Alabama, Oregon, Washington Territory, California, Iowa, Canada, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Kentueky, Chili, England, Brazil, Germany, Australia, &c., &c. Catalogue of 2 500 species of Shells, made for me by Geo. W. Tryon. Jr., who has labeled nearly aU my shells, 3 eta., printed on heavy paper with genus label list 10 cts. I have purchased one or two of the most celebrated collections known, and have now over 2,000 lbs., 3,000 species, and 30,000 specimens of Shells and Corals in stock. Catalogue of Birds Eggs, Eyes, Skins, &c., &c., 3 cents. Catalogue of Books, Natural History, mcludmg Zoology 5?'""^' -^-S™"'' ture. Horticulture, &c., 16 pp!, 3 cts. Medicines, &c., 16 pp., 3 cts. Geology, Mineralogy, Mmmg and Metallurgy, Stat. SurvevB Travels, &c., 16 pp., 3 cts. Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Meteorology, &c., 10 pp„ 3 cts. A large stock of Fossils and Rocks, Plants, Ferns and AlgaB on hand. While I have made Blineralogy a sjieclalty, as is evinced by the hundreds of thousands of specimens of Amazon Stone, Rutile, Brookite. Perofekite, Aniethyst, Smoky Quartz, Green Wavellite, Gothite, Variscite, &c,, &o., that I have sent all over the world at from one-half to one-tenth the price they were ever sold at before,! furnish collections of Shells. Rocks.&c, at nearly as low rates. The Society for the Encourage- ment of Studies at Home has for a long time recommended their corsespondeuts to get their collections of Rocks an* Minerals of me. As the correct naming of the specimens will be the important point to most persons I feel justmed m mentioning that I have be. n a coUector of Minerals for fifteen years ; that I was a student under Prof Wolcott Gibbs, at Cambridgef and Prof. A. Hoffman, at Berlin. I was also Instructor at Michigan University, and Professor in the Iowa S. A. College in Chemistry and Mineralogy for six yeaas. Send for the "Naturalist's Leisure Hour," giving full pariicalars. Specimen copy free. You will confers double favor by handing this to some physician, or other person interested in science. A. E. FOOTE, M. D , 1223 BELMONT AVE., PHILADELPHIA, PA., Professor of Chemistry and Mlncr«10fry» Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science ; Life Member of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, and of the American Museum 10 10 3m] of Natural History, Central Park, New York. 1 d-H _ 'Vqov> (To RUhscribers in Zpi d I Cdl ■( the county. SINGLE COFIES 10 CENTS. To fliibscrlberB out of ) ar-l r^f^ the county. ( ^Jl-WV-/ HE FARMER IS THE FOUNDER OF CIVILIZATION.- WEBSTER Prof. S. S. KATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA.. DECEMBER 15, 1878. LINNSUS EATHVON, Publisher. CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. 177 177 177 177 177 177 178 178 178 178 179 To the Patrons of the Farmer, Our Annual lireetin^s, - - - Our Personal Relations to The Farmer, To Our Literary Contributors, - Notice Extraordinary, - - - - Notice, -..--. Our Ag{!:regate, ----- As Others See Us, - - - - - Monthly Keminders, - - - - Cultivation of Grain of All Kinds, - Corn Cultivation, - _ - - Preitaiatiou of Soil — When to Plow — Preparation of Ground — Time of Planting— Proper Selectiou of Seed — Metbods of Planting. Letter from North Carolina — M. R., Random Thou^'hts— •/. B. A'., - Virginia Snakeroot — J. Stanffer, - - - A Few Words on Bees and Grapes — /. B. G. Strawberries — C'aspir Ililler, - - - Our Corn Crop—.!. B. K. - Chocolate Sorghum — A. B. Grosh, - Home-made Manures, - - - . - The Gemiantown Telegraph's Revised Fruit List, 183 Livestock Farming, - - . - - - - li-'4 All About Eggs, ------ 184 The "Ice-HoUBe" Egg— "Candled" Eggs — Addled Eggs. Managing a Small Farm, ----- 184 OUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. Proceedings of the Lancaster County Agricul- tural Society, - - - - - - l'-.5 Crop ReportB — Reading of Eeuays — Conijietitive EHSaye— Remarks— Questions for Debate — Report IPO ISO 1-0 ISl ISl 181 181 18:i of Fruit Committee- Farmer. Bills Paid— The Lancaster Linmean Society, ------ 186 DonatiouB to Museum — To the Historical Section — Additions to the Liorary. AGRICULTURAL. Table Showing Quantity of Seed to Acre, - ISO Clover Aftergrowth, ------ 1.SG Home-made Superphosphate, - - - - 180 Golden Millet, .-..-- iS6 HORTICULTURAL. The Snyder Blackberry, ----- 187 White Willow for Hedges, - - - - 187 Care of Fruit Trees, ------ 187 Pear Blight, ------- l,s7 Covering Strawberries, - ... - 1S7 How to Ascertain the Value of Hops, - . 187 DOMESTIC ECONOMY. New Mode of Making Butter, - - . 187 A Household Fruit Dryer, - - - - 187 Receipt for Curing Meat, - - - . 187 Oatmeal in the Household, - - - - 1S7 Household Receipts, ----- 1^7 LIVE STOCK. How to Cure a Kicking Cow, - - . - 188 Cooked Food for Cattle, Live Stock in Colorado, - The Cow, - - - - Calves, - - - - - Weaning Colts, Sheep, - - - - - POULTRY. Winter Treatment of Poultry, Composition for Hen Roosts, Good Fowls lor Laying, Charcoal in Turkey Feeding, - Poultry Hints, - - - Literary and Personal, 188 188 188 188 188 188 188 188 188 188 188 188 STRAWBEKRY-UROWERii MAKE A NOTE OF IT ! The Now S{ranl>orrle»i described in the December number of Tbe Faumhr are f r Bale, ny the undersigned, at from 25 oentN to $1.50 |>er dozen, and for much ICBM by the hundred, 0.\SPEK HILLER «! .SON, rj I0-2niJ Cniiestogii, Lancaster eounty. Pa. U1TPE.ECEDE1TTED loV Orai es, SeedHug's, Evergreens, etc., etc. Send lor Cutulogue. J. JENKINS, 10-9-4ni] WIXOX.*. Columbiana County, Ohio. MONEYS RECEIVED. The following is a list of persons who paid their subscription during tbe month for The Farmer, which I hope will be sulbcient, as I cannot allbrd to send each subscriber a receipt, it requiring a three- cent stamp for each one so sent. Benj. Esbenshade, Gordonvillc, - - - ?I 00 C. J. Beiler, Intercourse, - - - - Levi 1!. Olierholtzer, Cains, - - - Aaron Hartman, Bart, - - - - Jacob L. Ilershey, East Ilenipflcld, Ur. P. W. Ilicstand, Millersvillc, Ephraim N. Nissley, Mt. Joy, Win. Aug. Atlee, city, - . - - ■John Hubcr, Marticvillc, . - - Jacob B. Newhouscr, Bird-in-IIand, - A. Bowman, Marietta, - - - - H. S. Miller, Lititz, ----- John K. Biickcr, Lititz, Sain'l li. Engle, Marietta, - - - - John B. Erb, Rcfton, - - - - Emanuel Bard, Leacock, - - - - Bci:J. Kittcr; Lititz, . - - - John S. Gross, East Hemplicld, - - - Abraham B. Hubcr, Lancaster, John G. Gambcr, Netfsville, - - - Adam Kouiu'inachcr, Ephrata, Geo. II. Ettla, .Marietta, . - - - J. C. Maule, Clomtell, - - Abm. L. Slively, cromnell, . . . Sam'l Bausinaii, Cooper House, Ezra Reist, Manhcim, - - - - E. G. Groff, New Holland, - Jacob Eberlcy, Lancaster P. O., L. H. .Slienk, Chickies, - - - - J. S. Garber, Maytown, .-_-.. H. Gladfcltcr, Maytown, H. Ilicstand, Maytown, - - . - A. Stauffer, Maytown, - - - - J. Williams, Schoik's Mill, ... Lewis W. Irwin, Christiana, - - - J. N. Nolt, Oregon, - - . . - Martin G. Landis, Leopard Hotel, Jolin Musser, Schock's Mills, - . - John B. Engle, Williams' Mills, Cumb. Co., Jesse Engle, Williams' Mills, Cumb. Co., - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 7.5 00 00 00 00 00 00 2 00 2 00 2 00 •J. 00 8 00 1 00 1 00 1 .50 1 00 ■A 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 75 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 1 00 THE FARMERS- HOME ORGAN. A MONTHLY JOURNAL, DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTI- CULTURE, DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND MISCELLANY. PRACTICAL ENTOMOLOGY Made a prominent feature, with special reference to the wants of the Farmer, the Gardener and Fruit-Grower. Founded under the auspices of the Lancaster County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Edited lay Prof. S. S. RATHVOIT. The F.vnMEn will be imbliKlicd on the 15th of every month, pnnted on good piiiior with clear tyi^p, in con- venient form for reading and binding, and mailed to sub- scribers ou the following TERMS: To subscribers residing within the county — One Copy, one year, ----._ $i.oo Six Copies, one year, - - . _ . _ ^.oo Ten Copies, one ye:ir. ------- 7.50 To subscribers outside of Lancaster county, including postage pre-paid by the publishers: One Copy, one year, - - _ . . . $x>35 Five Copies, one year, ... . . . 5.00 All subscriptions will commeucc with the January num- ber unless otherwise ordered. All couiniunicutions intended for pubhcation should bo addressed to the Editor, and, to secure insertion, should bo iu his hands by the first of the month of publication. All business letters, containing Hub8LTi})tion8 and adver- tisfUieniK, shi'vild be addressed to the jinblishcr. The Lanoastku fAitMHB having compleled its ninth year under various \icissitudes, now c>)inmenc4.'8 its tenth volume u'ider, it is hoped, more favorable iiuspices than attended its former volumes. Wbeu the publisher of the last two volumes assumed the resjionsibilities of Its i)ubli- cfation, it was with a determination to make such improve- ments as would place the farmer's organ of this great agri- cultural county in the very front rank of agricultural jour- nalism That this has been accomidishcd we think our readers will bear cheerful testimony. If reafon-bly sus- taine. m. Col. 8:00 1). m. 8:40 p. m. 10:50 p. in. 12:45 a. m. Philadeli'hia. 3:00 a. in. 7:00 a. in. 10:00 a. m. 12:30 p. ni. 3:45 p.m. 5:00 p. m. 6:00 p. in. 7:20 p. m. 9:00 p. m. The Hanover Accommodation, west, connects at Lancaster with Niagara Express, west, at 9:35 a. m., and will run through to Hanover. The Frederick Accommodation, west, connects at Lancas- ter with Fast Line, west, at 2:10 p. m.. and runs to Frederick. The Pacific Express, east, on Sunday, when flagged, will stop at MiJdletown, Elizabethtowu, Mouut .Joy and Landis- ville. •The only trains which run daily. tRuns diiily, except MoTid:iy. Kittesof Atlverlisiug in Ibe Fanner. $ s.oo 16.00 IS. 00 24.00 .SO. 00 4S.00 73 00 PEXJiSYI.VANIA RAII.KOAD Trains leave the Depot in this city. Leave WE TWAKD. Lancaster. Pacific Express** 2:40 a.m. Way Passengert 4:50 a.m. Niagara Express 9.35 a. m. Col. Accommodation 7:20 p.m. Mail train via Mt. Joy 11:20 a. m. No. 2 via Columbia 11:20 a. m. Sunday Mail 11:20 a. m. Fast Line". 2:10p.m. Frederick Accommodation. 2:15 p. m. Harrisburg Accom 6:00 p.m. Columbia Accommodation.. 7:20 p. m. Harrisburg Express 7:25 p.m. Pittsburg Express 9:25 p.m. Cincinnati Express* 11:30 p. m. Lancaster. 12:30 a. m. 4:10 a. m. 7:35 a. m. 9.28 p. m. 1:20 p. m. 2:00 p. m. 3:05 p. m. 5:1S p. m. 5:50 p. m. 1 luo.... 2 mo.... 3 luo 4 mo.... 6 mo 8 mo 1 .Tear. 1 in. Sin. 4 in. j Sin. $1.00 $ 2.00 $ 3.00 $ 4.00 $ 6.00 2 0(i 4.00 6.00 8.00| 12.00 2.50 4.. 50 6.75 10. oo! 13. .W 3.00 6,00 9.00 12.00 18.00 4.. 50 9 00 13.50 18.00 27.00 6.00 12.00 18.00 24.00 36.0;i 9.00 18.00 27 00 36.00 54.00 ir?*Siect;il Jiiid biisinesR nofices 15 cents ver line M. HABERBUSH, MANDFACTUREE OF Plain and Fine Harness, saijui.es. COLLARS, "WHIPS, TLY NETS. &c., ALSO DKAl.ER IX TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS, BUFALO ROBES, Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, G-loves, &e., No. 30 Penn Square, 10-1-ly LANCASTER, PA. STOP AND REAi ALL FORMS OF Kidnepnd Urinary Diseases^ PaiDS in tlis Back, Sides and loins, are positively cured by Grant's Remedy, its effects are truly marvelous in Dropsy, firavel, Bright's disease. Seminal losses, Leucorrhoea, and lost vigor, no matter of how long standing the case may be, possitive relief is had in from one to three days. Do.iiot despair, hesi- tate or doubt for it is really a specific and never fails. It is purely a vegetable preparation, by its timely use thousands of cases that have beeu considered incurable by the most eminent Physicians havo beeu permanently cured. It is also indorsed by the regular Physician and Medical Societies throughout the country. Sold in bottles at Two dollars each or three bottles, which is enough to cure the most aggravated case, sei-t to any address on receipt of Five dollars. Small trial bottles O.ve dollar each. All orders to be addressed to Grant's Remedy Manufacturing Co., THE IMPROVED remingtoi' Sewing Machine 1. — Makes a ptr/ect lock stick, alike on both sides, on all kinds 0/ goods. 2, — Runs Light, Smooth, Noiseless and Rapid. 3. — Durable -Runs /or years without Repair. 4. — iVill do all varieties of Work and Fancy Stitching in a superior manner. ^.— \% Most Easily managed hy the operator. Length of stitch may be altered while running, and machine can be threaded without passing thread through holes, 6. — Design Simple, Ingenious, Elegant. Formiug the stitch without the use of Cog Wheel Gears, Rotary Cams, or Lever Arms. Has the Automatic Drop Feed, which insures uni/onn length 0/ stitch at any speed. Has our new Thread Controller, which allows easy movement of needle bar and prevents injury to thread. 7. — Construction moA care/ul anA Finished. It is manu- factured by the ;«j).j^ j,t/7//"tf/rt«"s EVERYTHING GARDEN Numbering 175 p iges, wifh Colored Plato, SENT FREE To our cuslomerB of past years, mid to ;ill IHirchasers of our books, eitber G.'iRDENIN3 FOU PROFIT, PE.ICTICAL FL0F.I:IjI.TUS3, Or tJARDENII^a FOa PLEASURE. Price $'.50 each, prapiid, bym^it, To others, ou receipt ox 25c. Plui" Pliint or Seed Catalogues, without Plate, free to all. PETER HENDERSON & CO., Seedsmen, Market Gardeners and Florists. 35 Cortlandt St , N. Y. 9-7-1 y] ADVERTISING. $l.o6o WORTH FOR $S7.50. The che:i}'t-8t aud beat w.iy to reach renders outside of the liii ge cities is by using oue or luore of our sis lists of over l.OOO iie^vspapers, divided to cover difl'ereut sec- tioiiBot ttie country. Weekly CEB'OBBlAtcoii orer ttOO.OOO. Advsrtisemeuts received for one or more lists. For catalogues containing names of pai'ers, aud other in- formjtion aud for p»tirn;ites, address EEALS it FOSTES. 41 Park Eow (Times Building), New Torfe. Diseases Curetl, New paths marked out by that plainest of all books — "Plain Home Talk and Medical Common Sense," nearly l,imo pages, 200 illustrations, by Dr. E. B. Foote, of 120 Lexington Ave., N. Y. Purchasers of this Book are at liberty to ro»f,v?W( its author in person or by miil frfc. Price by mail $3.25 for the .S/rtii*/«rf/ edi*ion, or $1.50 foi the /iopJi/rt/* edition, which contains all the same miittei aud illustrations. Contents tables free. Afffnts Wanted MURRAY HILL PUBLISHING CO , g-lO-ly 129 East 28t.U St. N. Y. CHRONIC 554 Main St., Worcester, Mass. 10-7.4m. E. H. FRESHMAN & BUOS., ADVERTISING AGENTS, 186 W. Pourtli St., Cincinnati, 0., Are anthorizert to contract for advertising in this paper. EstmaiesfaniistieUree, Send for a CirciUar. We fill Pay kHigWMaW Price for all of the following articles or wp will sell fhera for yon on ^% (5 per cent.) commiBe^Hlon b^ ■ ■ ^^ ^^ ^m ^^ Cheese, E « « S. I» O U I.- O H nr^TC D T R Y. Lard, Talllow, Feath- nil | | T K ers, Fotafoes, A F n<£S. m^^9 ■ B ^5 91 G^O A TTWr Fl^^iir, Feed, Fur, Hide-. Wool, .£%fXiLT,and Bazar, to one a>i lire xs fur one .year. $10 Ou ; or. two of Harper's I'eriodicalfi, to one adilrefis for o)ie year. $7,00; postaje free. An Extra Copii of //'/(cr (Af Magazink, Wekkly, or Ba- zar icill be supplird ;iratis foi eoery Club of Viva. Subscri- bers af ^ uo mc/(. ^ja?'/ for by one remittance; or. Six Cop- ies one year, witiwut extra copy, for $.i!i 00. Back lumbers can be supplied at any tuue. The volumes of the Magazine comiuencc with the Num- bers for June aud December of each year. When no time is st^ecified, it will be understood that the subscriber wishes to begin vfixh. the current Number. A complete Set of Harper's Magazine, now comprising rifi Volumes in neat cloth binding, will be sent by express, freight at exjeuse of purchasor, for $-2 '25 per volume. Single mhnncH by mail, posf/^az^i, $1 00. Cloth cases, for bindi!)g, 50 cents, by mail, postjiaid. A Complete Analytical Index to the fii-st Fifty Volumes of Hamper's Magazink has beeu published, rendering availa- ble fcr reference the vast and varied wealth of information which constitutes this periodical a perfect illustrated litera- ry cyclopMia. 8vo, Cloth, S2 00; Half Calf, $5 25. Sent postage i>repaid. Subscriptions received for Harper's Periodicals only. Sewspapers are not to copy this ad vert isement toithoiU the express orders of Harper & Brothers, Address H'VRPF/l^ & BROTHERS. New York. PATENTS obtained for uew iuventious, or for improvements ou old cues, for medical Or other C'jmpouilda, trademarks aud labels. Caveats, .\ssigumeutB, lulerferences, .\ppeal3. Suits for lufriligements, and all cases arising uuder tile Patent Laws, luomptlv attended to. Jnve'ntions that have been p P" T T^ P T K D by tlie Patent Office iN. J_Lr J LL, V^ i J— < A-' may still, iu most c ises, be patented by us. Being opposite the D. S. Patent Department, aud engaged in Patent busi- nef-B exclusively, we can mLik.- closer searches, and secure Patents more promptly, aud with broader claims, than those who are remote from Washington. T MX /■ LT lVTT'/"\ D C 8''°'' "^ " model or i i\ V n^ i\ i V_y In. O sketch of your device; we make examinations and advise as to patentabihty, free of eharse. .MI correspondence strictly confidential. Prices low, aud XO « IIARCiE UNLESS PATENT IS SE- CURED. , ^ We refer in Washington, to Hon. Postmaster General D. M. Key, Rev. F. D. Power, The German -American National Bank,"t'o officials in the U. S. Patent Offiu'.e, aud to Senators and Representatives In Congres;,; and especially to our clients in every State iu the Union and In Canad.i. Address V. A. SXOW * CO.. i 9-10-] Opposite Patent Office, Washington, D. C, The Lancaster Farmer. Prof. S. S. SATHVON, Editor. LANCASTER, PA., DECEMBER, 1878. Vol. 1. No. 12. TO THE PATRONS OF THE FARMER. Tli;\iikl'ul lor Uu' patrDiiaiji', the coiuti^'.sii'S iincl tlic kiii(liR'S.scs cxli'iKlcd lowiinls us, ;is publislu'iol TlIKl^.VNC.VSTEUF.VK.MEU, forllic l):i.st two years, we woulil respectfully inform tliciu tliaL we luivc ilisposed of all imr riglit, title and publisliiiig interest m that journal to .John A. IIikst.wd, Escj., the enti rini.sing and genial publisher anil proi)rirtor of the ICxautincr and iiVjov.v.s, and we earnestly ask for him a eontinuanee of their moral and pecuniary support, lender the auspiees of the new publisher the liist number of Tiik F.\i!- JIEK will ajjpear in January, 187'.). Throuj^h ten long years, the last live of whieh have been adverse to many of the enterprises of om- common country. The L.VNeASTEu F.vumeu has struggled through, and has maintained its existence intact ; and we hojie that now a better day is dawning for it for our county, for our State, and for our nation. There is material enough in ]>an<-a.ster county alone to support a lirst-class agricultural jiaper, and we hope it may now be made available. L. Katiivon, Publisher. OUR ANNUAL GREETINGS. With this number we complete the tenth volume of Tjie Laxcasteu Fakmek, and viewing its progress retrospectively, we can hardly realize that a decade in time has passed away since it lirst made its diJnd before the public. Like many of its contemporaries in the held of agricultural journalism, it has had its vicissitudes, its discouragements, and its shifting responsibilities, but by the persever- ance and self-denial of its siionsors it has withstood the trying tests of time, and has readied that adolescent period, from which we hope a vigorous and useful manhood may be developed. The publication of a journal in Lancaster county rein-esenting its agricultural, .mechanical and domestic interests ought to be no longer considered a mere experiment ; it ought to be recognized as an established /act, and every head of an agricultural e.stab- lishment in the county and the State ought to feel it incumbent upon him to lend a hand in sustaining such an enter|irise, and in trans- mitting its ennobling inrtuences to an en- liglitened and grateful posterity. The yeavthrougb which we have just passed has been a remarkable one in the annals of our country, and still more so in the annals of •agriculture. It is true the farmer does not realize the prices for his leading crops that he may have realized in former years, yet he has been blessed with health, employment and abundance, whilst many other interests and peoples have sullered— "sadly suffered by rea- son of the ab.sence of the.se blessings. As the editor of this journal, we have never been entirely without hope in its ultimate success, and if we have " hoped against hope," even in that contingency we have had a valu- able compDU.sation. t)ecause it h;is taught us to " hope on ;" and accordingly we look hope- fully forward to the consunnnation of our eleventh volume. By the announcement of the publisher it will be perceived that he has transferred his interest to. loiiN A. IIiEsrAND, Esq., the popular and widely-known publisher of the Exoininir and KrprcsK, who, after the first (Lay of .January, 187'.), will be the sole proprietor and publisher, .and we bespeak for him a successful career in the ranks of agri- cultural journalism. As stated elsewhere, the editorial department will remain in the hanils of the present editor. As its name might naturally seem to imply, The LANtASTEK Fakmer is not, strictly speaking, a local paper, but on the contrary, it embraces all legitimate topics which re- late to the agricultural interests not only of the home locality, but all those of the State, and its belt of latitude from one end of the country to the other. Lancaster county is a sudicienlly distinguished basis to rest its claims upon, but it will make an ellort to truly say — " No pent up Utifa cinilraols our powers, Tlie wliole uiitioumied coutiiienl ie ours." With this laudable ambition, and the co- operation of its friends everywhere, it hoi)es to be uidimitedly diffused. With gratituile to the patrons of the past, we look for a rea- sonable accession of moral and material strength for the future. But we will not anticipate ; our business at this time is nuiinly with the pcuiling now, and that now ad- monishes us of the si)eedy return of time's most momentous cycle, when '"glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will towards men" was proclaimed, and to the inrtuences of that great event we commend our readers during tlie approaching Ckristmas Holidays. -^ OUR PERSONAL RELATIONS TO THE FARMER. If any of the patrons of The Lancaster Farmer, or any of the public, have an appre- ciation of our labor in editing it for the past ten years, and feel tliat we have not been adequatelv compensated for our labor, we would respectfully sugtrest that their intiuence now in the increase of its subscrii)tion list and extending its circulation, would be as ac- ceptable to us as a direct contribution. The Farmer iieeds at least one thousand additional (jiiod jKU/iiuj riubscribcrs to place it on a self- sustaining basis, and relieving the mind of its publisher from the anxiety usually attending such an enterprise. That there is a "vacancy" in the county of Lancaster alone to amply sustain a (irst-class agricultural journal is unon8ible during the jiast two years in s|)ecial cases. We have, however, always felt a deeper interest in its success than a merely i)ecuniary one, or our services anil in- tiuence would have been withdrawn from it years ago. Those, therefore, to whom it is most con- venient to make iiaymenl to us, we will thank- fully receive them until .lamiary 1, 187'.), and report them to the publisher, but all adjust- ments of accounts must be made with him. NOTICE! We have a number of full volumes of Thb Lan'caster Farmer— quarto edition — for the years 187."), 187(5, 1877 and 1878 which we oiler for sale cheap for cash. For a single volume, unbound, §1.00; bound. SI. .50; any two volumes unbound for $1.7.5 ; bound, S2.75; any three volumes unbound for S2.25 ; bound, $'i.7i> ; the whole four volumes unbound, .?:i.OU ; bound, !?.">. 00. In selecting matter we have l)een careful to adopt that which was of the most iiermanent interest to the farmer and housekee|ier ; the paper is neatly, plainly and conqiactly printed ; each volume is ac- comi)anied by a copious index ; and on the whole it will form a volume of local ready reference such as may not be accessible to the citizens of Lancaster county for many years to come. It has been asserted by some that in many respects The Farmer was locally somewhat in advancti of its time, and that in ten or twenty years hence it will be more fully appreciated than now. It is not for us to say whether this is so or not ; but if so, a copy would be a desirable acquisition now. We have also sixty copies of "The Art of 178 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [December, Propagation," which we offer at 30 cents each ; regular jirice 50 cents. Also, ten copies of " Scribner's Lumber and Log BooIj," a new and revised edition ; price, 20 cents. Half a million copies of this useful little book have been sold since ils first introduction to the world. OUR AGGREGATE. By referring to our index to the present volume of The Faumek, it will be perceived that during the year we furnished each of our readers with seren hundred distinct articles and thii ty illustmiions — all for one hundred cents — that is, seven for one cent. Some of these articles are three oi' four columns in length, and contain several subjects. Many of them wrilten out by the editor and his con- tributors. Will our patrons and the public reflect upon the labor required to write. Select, arrange, print and send these articles to the people ? It takes almost as much labor to read an article as it does to write one — in- deed, the almost universal testimony is that reading up and selecting is more laborious, and requires as much skill, as writing. When we have furnished seven articles, and earned the penny, what can we get for it '? Not a decent cigar ; not a good apple ; not an egg ; perhaps half a dozen peanuts. It does not cover the ground to respond that each sub- scriber pays his peimy ; for every duplication of the first sheet costs pap'jr, and ink, and labor, to say nothing ahout the waste of material and labor in proof-sheets and corrections. Fellow-mortals, think of these things. AS OTHERS SEE US. Now that the long evenings have set in, ever farmer should invest a dollar in that most excellent agricultural journal — The Laxcas- TEK Farmer — and thus oblain the views and experiences of our best and most successful farmers. It will prove an interesting and also a very profitable investment. Linnfeus Kath- von, publisher, Lancaster, Pa. — New Holland Clarion. A good idea — a most capital idea — the New Holland Clarion is ' ' given to no uncertain sound," and never has hesitated to let its sound be heard where it can do good. The Messrs. Ranck & Sands, tlie enterprising edi- tors and proprietors, publish a live paper, and have an appreciation of what is going on in the world around them, and it is a satisfaction to us to know that .their paper is a deserved success. Through this number of The Farmer they will learn that it h.as changed publishers, if they had not been aware of that fact before, and we assure them that the change is a step in advance. Although our function as re- sponsible publisher will cease, our best ener- gies will bedevnt(Ml to its material "make-up," and so long as ink and paper and nimble fin- gers are available, we will see that The Farmer does not retrogress. One Clarion blast from home is more grateful to ns than a thousand echoes wafted from a foreign shore, because they knoiv whereof they sound. We reciprocate the compliment in their kindly notice, and although we are not much given to " that sort of thing," yet we raise our hat high above our cranium, and make our very best bow. MONTHLY REMINDERS. The care of the hot-beds, &c., is nearly all that demands attention ; true, other things may be done, but quite as well at a future day, imless the season be open. The annexed hints may, however, prove useful : Compost prepare. Dung prepare for hot-beds. Hot- beds attend to. Radish and salad sow in frames. Trench and drain vacant ground. Transjjlanting trees may still be done. The family which has taken time by the forelock, and during the season of vegetation secured a supiily of succulent food for the live stock, may now tliat the winter's storms are upon us, congratulate itself. So little labor in comparison with the result attaches to root crops, one may well wonder that any rural family should fail to secure a supply. Another year draws to a close. As hus- handnieu, it becomes us to look closely at what has been accomplished, and what we have omitted to do. He who is content to jog along indifferent to the past, will be care- less in the future, and in brief space of time will have fallen far behind in every quality and condition necessary to constitute a suc- cessful farmer. With Americans progress is the watchword. It enters into every avocation of life — at the mechanic's bench, in the mill, at the work- shop, on the rivers and the lakes. The great aim of all imbued with our national spirit is to go ahead and get onward. It is that im- pulse which has made us, as a people, what we are, and marked out our future destiny as the ruling power of the world. The American artisan has eclipsed all others in many depart- ments of handicraft, and the mechanical genius of our people is the admiration of man- kind. Shall the fiirmer lag behind V He is here the lord of the soil. No tithe-master measures his grain or counts his herds ; the tree which he plants yields fruit for himself and his posterity. Why, then, should he not be the most prosperous of men, advancing his possessions and prospects — each year adding to the productive fertility of his lands, and filling his store and basket to overflowing. To farm successfully, however, requires as many quali'Jes as the conduct of an intricate commercial business; untiring industry. promptness, thoughtfulness of the future, capacity to retrieve an error of judgment — these are all brought into action in the man- auement of a well-ordered farm. Let them be inculcated and taught, as far as possible, by every farmer who i>roposes to train his son in his own pursuit. It is well enough, indeed it is a laudable ambition, to excel in all the manipulations pertaining to husbandry, but it is indispensable that the mind be so trained as to be able judiciousl}' to direct others. Simply to ploiigh, to haul, to fell, is not farm- ing in its highest sense. Skillful, intelligent agriculture embraces all which enters . into rural life. It enlarges the view, expands the mind, and m.akes the accomplished farmer the courted companion of the educated and re- fined. A man thus trained has visions not seen by the mere candidate f(n- wealth. The great book of nature is unfolded to his view — he has enjoyments higher tlinu those which follow the vulgar disjilays of pampered pride, engendered by sudtlen, perhajis doubtful, ac- quisitions. His are the quiet pleasures which spring from time devoted to useful efforts, whicii while advancing hisown and his family's comforts, have subtracted nothing from the rights of others. — LundreVVs Uur. Rtg. CULTIVATION OF GRAIN OF ALL KINDS.* Mr. President and Gentlemen : In discussing the cultivation of wheat and other small grain, I shall not attempt it in a scientific manner, but do the best I can in taking a practical, common-sense view of the subject. I presume we nearly all agree that cultivation is advantageous to nearly, if not entirely, all vegetation, even from a strawberry plant up to a fruit tree ; and from the beautiful little pansy, that so beautifies our gardens and at- tracts so much admiration, even to the great, stalwart sunflower. Then it is but fair to suppose that in grow- ing grain, of whatever variety, which is really the life of humanity and the wealth of the country, it ought also to be cidtivated. And in this, our own country, which is so admirably adapted to the growth of all kinds of grain, it is not so much our privilege as it is our duty to make the most of this beneficent gift be- stowed upon ns by our Great Creator. To raise good and profitable crops o{ corn, besides the proper fertility of the soil, it is necessary to observe certain laws in nature to insure a good crop. It is highly important to "Read before the LancaBtei- County Agricultural aud Horticultural Society, ly F. Sutton, have the proper depth of soil, and that thor- oughly pulverized, and then to have the rows ' of corn of sufficient width apart to admit of plenty of air and sun, and this is a matter of so much importance that I feel like doubly ' im))ressing it upon the mind of every farmer. If we plant for fodder then we may disregard this rule, but if we want corn then we cannot afford to do it. And in my judgment the observance of these rules are just as important in raising fruit and other grain as it is in the case of coru. And I imagine I hear some of you saying, " Yes, that is very true, but how much space do you want for air and sun in the raising of corn r"' In answer, I will only give you my own observation and the practi- cal results or demonstrations of the different sections of the country, where I have been ; and it may be that certain qualities of soil and localities will have to be taken into con- sideration, and even then to determine these questions so as to meet the approval of all, will be impossible. Taking it for granted, however, that in every case the crop shall be well and thoroughly cultivated with the present improved appliances suited to each locality and condition of soil. On the eastern shore of Virginia, where the soil is a sandy loam, corn is planted four feet apart each way with one and two stalks in the hill, and the very large ears attracted my attention. It w-as a beautiful white vari- ety, not flint, but much resembling the yellow variety with ns. Upon inquiry as to why they did not plant more corn in the hill, they told me it burned, whicli I concluded meant the deadening of the blades at an early period. I did not learn the amount produced per acre. In Jersey a yellow variety is raised chiefly, and they plant their corn from four to four and a half feet apart each way, with from two to three stalks to the hill, and as a rule, have good corn. Their soil is generally light. A gentleman in Baltimore county, Md.,Mr. Gorsuch, has raised three crops, which yielded him each over 100 bushels per acre. One yielded something over 100 bushels, one 125 bushels, and the other 138 bushels, per acre. He planted three and a half feet one way with two stalks to the hill, every two feet apart, and thoroughly cultivated it, and showed me his awards of diplomas, in each case, by one of their agricultural societies, together with a silver snuff box properly inscribed. S. S. Spencer, esq., of this city, who is a very practical man in all his undertakings, is, and luis been experimenting with corn — his crop last year, so far as quality is concerned, was not surpassed in the county, if equaled, so I learned from a good judge. This year his crop is estimated (as i)oor as the season was,) at one hundred bushels per acre, a sample of which can be seen in this room. He planted his four feet apart, each way, with three stalks in the hill ; and, in conversation with him re- cently, he told me that he was not sure that if he had left but two stalks to the hill, that he might have had more corn. And from the foregoing statements I will allow each one to make his own deductions, with the caution not to plant too thick, nor have the rovvs too close together. And now a few words on the subject of wheat culture, and in discussing this branch of husbandry, I intend my remarks to apply to rye, barley and oats, with such slight chnncres as shall be obvious to every mind, without going into a minute detail in every particular ease. The cultivation of wheat is in a large measure new to the people of this country^ while it has been practised in Eng- land for many years with good results ; and not new witih us because our progressive farmers did not know that wheat ought to be cultivated, but because we did not have any proper and practical implement with which to do the work, and hand labor was too ex- pensive. And just here, a word directing our minds to the great need of cultivating wheat, may not be out of place. In the first place, we plow our ground in August and September, and our seeding is done chiefly in the latter month. The soil has been properly fertilized 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. i79 at consiclcrable expense, citlun- witli bani- , yard iii.uiun', bone, or phosplialcs of different kinds, all of whieli bave l)i'en plai-eci in Ibe gronud lo t'eotl and nomi.sb fbe plant, and llieTi the ground is left untouelied, anil is subjected to all the rains, snows, freezing and thawing, through a period c)f si,\ or seven months. In the spring the ground dries otT, and is liard aud solid ; we may walk over it and iiol leave an impression upon it, and the plant has formed Some small fibrous roofs during the short tim, it bad to grow in tiie fall. Ai^l now that the spring has come, and the weather is warm \Te look for the grain to grow, and expect thofe little roots to go out in this hard solid earth in search of, and to lake uji the food placed there to sustain, noniisb and ma- ture a full crop of grain, and the roots are of course the only medium tlirougb whicli it can take up the food, and tlie i'urtber the season advances, the harder and dryer the ground becomes, and the more dilficult it is for the plant to get it; and the consecpience is that enough has come within the grasji of these little roots to furnish a fairstraw with a small short head; for long before heading time the larger portion of the nourishment that was within reach of the plant, has become ex- hausted in suiiplying the demand to produce the straw, and there is but little left to supply nourishment for the head. And here the question may very properly be asked, -'What are you going to do about it ¥" And the answer is, I would seed the wheat in rows far enough apart to admit of suHicient air aud sun, as in the ease of corn, and not allow the grain to be crowded into little narrow rows, closely together, and on top of each other ; but liave the grain properly distril)uted over the ground in the rows and of proper and sutHcient width apart for culti- vating in the spring, and in this way we thoroughly pulverize and loosen up the soil, let in the air and sun, and the little roots can go out in search of the nourishment put there for the plant ; and the moist earth abnorhs the fertilizing gases in the amosphere, and also the dews of the night, all of which tends to give strength and nourishment to the plant, giving it a strong, substantial stalk capable of conducting a much larger amount of sap,sutlicient to produce a large, full prolitic head, at least one-third larger than the usual average head. To expect a large crop ordina- rily, without cultivating it, might W(dl be compared to feeding a good cow, and placing the feed in the trough, just so that the cow can reach one-half of it. and then wonder why she did not give more milk. Cultivating is the least expensive part of the work in raising a crop of wheat, yet we have gone through with all the greater part of the cost of labor, seed, fertilizers, itc, and have taken our chances for a crop, and left undone the least expen- sive and most important part. In suiiport of my argument, I would say, that practical de- monstrations everywhere, fairly tried, have fully proven this fact; and that there is some- thing wrong in our present method of seeding wheat I think is obvious to every close observer and practical farmer. If one grain of wheat is capable of producing from 40 to 50 heads, then we sow too much seed in loo small a space — in other words we use too much seed. I was told by a practical farmer in Adams county, Pa., that from one grain be gathered a product of 40 heads, which yielded 1173 grains. Mr.narris,of Washington county, Md., had a very fine crop this sea.son, which yielded 36 bushels per acre in one lieUl, and a iiart of the field was seeded with one-half bushel per acre, a part with three-fourths bushel, and remainder with one and one-liflh bushel per acre, and in the growing wheat at harvest time, no difference could be seen so far as thickness on the ground was concerned. An old experienced farmer in .Jersey has for a few years past been seeding one bushel per acre, by broad-casting it, and .says he gets more wheat than when he sowed two bushels per acre. I would therefore say, sow less seed and cultivate it, and feel warranted in pre- dicting an increased yield of from 25 to 75 per cent., and the wheat will stand up. Of course it is expected that care will be used in select- ing good seed, and of such variety as is best a(iapted to each locality and soil. And here, altliough somewhat foreign to the subject proper, the inipiiry might properly be rai.sed: When shall we sow our grass scedV We generally sowour timothy seed in tiiefall, when We seed, or else in tlie early si)ring with our clover seed. In reply, I would say, sow all your grass .seed, of whatever variety, in the spring, after you have cultivated your wheat, and when ibe ground is prc^pared to receive it, the roots can gel a good strong bold, and it is not likely to perish f'rom hot sun and drought after bar- vest, wlien it is exposed to the sun. And it will be as proportionably better as will also be the wheat. CORN CULTIVATION.* Corn being the largest of the Cereal crops grown in this country, makes it one of the most important. There, is no field crop which the farmer can rely on with so much certainty as that of corn, it having so few enemies. Evidently there was but one kind originally, but its tendency to spread and increase, has produced so many varieties, that when we say corn it .seems necessary to define what variety we mean. These in)r more perfect ears are found on a stalk, they should be secured, as from continued se- lection of such, it may eventually establish a fixed variety. I have no doubt that by proper Selection, if continued, any desired tyiie can be established from any of the present kinds, whether we desire white or black, red or yel- low, long or short, thick or thin ears, thick or thin cobs, rough or smooth grains. In short, almost anything within the limits of corn may be olitained, and when a fixed kind is established, and strictly kejit to that standard for a long period, it will not readily vary, but in stock breeders' language, becomes thoroughbred. Methods of Planting. For large plantations the machine planter is the most exjieditious aud economical, but with the hoe the liest job can be made, and for this purpose will never be superseded, as each bill can be planted the proper depth, aud no stone, clod or rubbi.sli ever cover the seed ; either of these will injure the corn as it comes up, from which it will seldom if ever recover. The hoe, ofcour.se, caii only lie used to advantage in hill planting, which should always be checkered and cultivated both ways, although it is conceded that the largest crops have been grown in drills, yet the largest average is from checkered, and for the only reason that the latter is generally better culti- vated and kept clear of weeds. Corn should never be iilauted too deep nor covered too thick ; one inch of mellow ground is lielter than more, as all seed comes up stronger and heartier when only sutficiently covered to germinate. Corn thus planted is more likely to be pulled np by birds, but a slight coating of coal tar has never failed to protect me from feathered liilferers. Distance of iilanting depends very much on variety. As aliove stated, the larfje growing kinds recpiire more room than the small. The latter will do as well with three feet square to 180 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ December, the hill as the large will with four feet. In either case two good stalks to the hill will ou an average, make a larger yield than more, although in rich soil and a verj' favorable season, three stalks may sometimes yield more than two ; but in a dry one the yield will be less. With the best of seed three grains should alwftys be planted, as a very large pro- portion of the hills will have one or more inferior stalks, or partial failures ; by this method the set will be regular and uniform. With all plants or trees, where strong and weak plants grow together, the former will gain continually on the latter, which prevents a uniform cro})^ and without uniform growth it is impossible to obtain the largest yield. Cultivation should be commenced as soon as the corn is all up nicely and be continued fre- quently until it is in tassel ; at first deep and thorough, but shallow toward the close. Level culture is best, for checkered at least. In drill culture there need not be quite the same number of square feet to the stalk, as each plant stands isolated, while in the hill they will be somewhat crowded as they attain size, but this can be remedied to some extent by dropping the seeds not too close together. By whatsoever system corn is grown it should be kept strictly clear of weeds. The custom of planting purajikins or sowing turnips among corn must necessarily reduce the latter to some extent. The suckers should, under all circumstances, be taken off before they appro- priate too much substance which the main stalk should receive, but under no circum- stances allow suckers to tassel, for, whatever pains may be taken to bring or keep tlie corn at its greatest perfection by selection of seed, the pollen from tlie sucker may undo what has been gained by years of careful selection. I would as soon think of breeding from a scrub male to a thoroughbred animal, as to have pollen from suckers cast upon an excel- lent variety of corn. It is also well known that the pollen from a neighboring field is ofttimes carried to an almost incredible dis- tance, and consequently may cause mcire mix- ture than is desirable. States, and has been grown in South Carolina for many years. But your correspondent's article, of "Random Thoughts," might lead some people to infer or suppose this plant can be cultivated anywhere, and anj' one who will test it, will surely have " his labor for his pains" — in Lancaster county, or Pennsylva- nia.—J. B. G. LETTER FROM NORTH CAROLINA. Salisbury, N. C, Nov. 25, 1878. Editor Lancaster Fanner: Cotton is coming into this market freely and selling for about 8i cents per pound by the bale. The lint is better than I liave ever seen it grown in this and adjoining cminties since here, over thirty years. The crop is a good one, both in quality and quantity. Tobacco in this and surround- ing counties is good in quality but rather sliort in quantity. Never knew Irisli and sweet potatoes more plentiful, both good in quality ; have bartered for both kinds at 2.'> cents per bushel, each large size and good flavor. The apple and peach crop has been short in this section and over this State, so far as I can learn. Upon the whole, pretty fair crops of all kinds of grain, vegetables, fruit, cotton and tobacco, and other crops grown in this section of the country. Success to The Farmer and all connected with it. Hope to live and write you again in 1879, and long years thereafter, if you wish it. Let us hear froni you ; always ]ileased to hear from yoii and your great county and its people. — Yoxirs truly, M. B. ^ For The Lancaster Farmer. RANDOM THOUGHTS. Mr. Editor: — Your correspondent in Octo- ber number of The Farmer, page 152, recom- mends tea growing as among the products that could probably be raised with jirolit in the United States, .but on account of wages being so much higher, a re.sort to improved machin- ery would be necessary to prepare it. He "has no doubt the plants could be raised as cheaply as is done by hand in China." His remarks would appear to recommend the growing of tea anywhere in the United States. Does he not know that the Chinese tea plant, Thea riridis, is a tender plant, and cannot live in the open ground during our cold winters. It may be grown in some parts of the Southern For The Lancaster Farmer. VIRGINIA SNAKEROOT. The small, fibrous-rooted Snakeroot is well known for its pleasant aromatic and tonic properties which it imparts to old rye, and in early days was famous as a stimulant and grateful tonic bitters. The botanical or scientific name of this plant is Aristolochia serpentatia. Names are or ought to be signifi- cant. Let us inquire why it is called snake- root : Cornutus, at tlie end of bis book on the plants of Canada, published at Paris in 1G35, tells us, "that a root had been sent him from '■ Notha Anf/lia,'' which was called Serpentaria, and in the vernacular tongue Snagroel. This root was a very sure safeguard against the bite of a huge serpent in that country, which proved inevitably fatal within twelve hours, unless a good portion of the antidote was swallowed in season, which being done, no one was ever known to be in danger of his life from this cause." These snake stories and snakeroots are numerous ; except a few venomous species the majority of snakes are harmless in their bite, and all the fuss to cure such bites arises from ignorance. But why is this genus of plants called Aristolochia f The Greek, aristos, means "feesf," and locheia, "parturition;" but the generic name may more sjiecially re- late to some other species. This plant has a singular fiower near the ground and usually covered among the dead leaves. They have a stiff leathery texture of one piece (monopeta- lous tubular corolla), a contorted tube bent in the form of a letter S, swelling at its two ex- tremities, the throat surrounded by an eleva- ted edge or brim, and its border expanded into a" broad, irregular margin, forming an upper and under lip, which are closed in a triangular manner in the bud ; this odd flower is of a dull, brownish purple color, not >much for beauty. The plant is of humble growth, not over a foot high, simple, slightly branched, jointed, flexuous, and often of a reddish tinge. The leaves are alternate, on short petioles, oblong, entire, acuminate, heart-shaped at base, and three-nerved. The root is extremely fibrous, and sends up a number of stems ; the root has a penetrating rather agreeable, resin- ous smell, and a pungent, bitter taste, some- what approaching that of hemlock spruce [Pinus canadensis.) A so-called "Indian herb doctor " told me to notice the direction the terminal leaf pointed of the one I was taking up, as I would find the next plant to which it pointed. When plants were few and far between, I found the advice of no avail. True, a day's journey in that direction might reveal another i)lant, while you miss one three yards oft' in another direction. Such was my experience — not favorable on that "pbiut. " I believe in some very queer things in nature that I cannot understand, because our know- ledge is limited as to hidden caus'iS that underlie tlie physical appearance of things. We need not, however, ^'■belie" ourselves in that which affords no kind of evidence. Medicinally considered, Serpentaria is atonic, diaphoretic, and in certain cases an anti- spasmodic and anodyne. It has been exten- sively u.sed, and received the highest com- mendations of a host of medical writers when judiciously employed. While in the early stages of fever, or when attended with an active pulse and inflammatory diathesis, it is contra indicated. Yet in advanced stages of fever and those attended with typlioidal symp- toms, this medicine is resorted to with great advantage both alone and in combination with other tonics and stimulants. It is pecu- liarly useful in supporting the strength, and in allaying the irregular actions which attend great febrile debility, such as are known to the faculty as subsultus tendinum., delirium, watchfulness, &c. Its bitter ingredients, and the camphor which it contains, no doubt con- tribute to these effects. It is very advan- tageously given in combination with bark, or with wine and opium. Dr. Chapman, in his Therapeutics, con- siders the serpentaria as partaking the mixed qualities of a stimulant and tonic, and acting also as a diaphoretic and diuretic. I cannot follow Sydenham, Dr. Lewis and other old school physicians and country practitioners of the regulars. I will only add Dr. Chapman's concluding remarks on this article ; he says, "that it is admirably suited to check vomit- ings, and to tranquillize the stomach, more particularly in bilious cases. It is given for this puriiose in decoction, in the small dose of half an ounce or less at a time, and frequently repeated." Infusion is a common form by steeping half an ounce in a pint of boiling water for two hours in a covered vessel. An ounce taken every three or four hours ; the powder, dose 10 to 30 grains. A tincture of the root is made by digesting an ounce of the root in a pint of jiroof spirits. It is also one of the ingredients in the compound tincture of bark, commonly called Huxhani's. The German name is Schlangcn osterluzey. The French name comes near the English, Serpentaire de Virginie. Dr. Gray gives but one species. A narrow-leaved variety is A. sogittata, of our Lancaster botanist, "Rev. Mr. Muhlenberg, and the A. hirsuta, of Nuttall. Either Dr. Gray reverses the names or Dr. Griffith, who gives five species, viz : 2. A. hirsuta, Muhlen- berg ; 3. A. hastata, Nuttall ; adding tliis is the 4. A. sagittata of Muhlenberg; A. reti- culata, Nuttall ; 5. A. tomentosa, Sims. Al- thonsih modifications do exist, we can con- sider A. .seriientariaNo. 1. It is found widely dispersed, growing in sliady woods, especially on hillsides. It is less common in alluvial and calcareous soils. It flowers in May and June. Raflnesque, that singular genius and natural- j ist, says it flowers but once, or seldom. It I does flower regularly every year when fully I matured ; thisWtain age is set down at three! years. I have frequently found it with the] flower, and a large, bulky cluster of fibers; again, without flower, and the plant not so j vigorous ; the roots less, it may possibly notj get flowers till its third year. | Formerly this root was diligently sought! after and shipped oft" in quantity to meet thej demand. It has become rather scarce in alii 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 181 the Adiuitic States, or at least in tlieir more eastern parts, now only found in certain situ- ations—oftea few and far apart. — J. Utaiiffir. I'or Thk I,\NrASTi:ii Faioikh. A FEW WORDS ON BEES AND GRAPES. Jifr. Edltnr:— So it appears tin: bee men, in " eouueil met," have nniininiously eonu', to the conclusion that bees don't stin;; grapes, and so that question is settled. Of course il will be labor lost for me to ditTer with such an august assembly of judges, for 'tis known, "To convince men n^ain.st, tlicir will, They'll be of the samu opinion slill." AVe know as well as the bee man, that l)eps don't sting the grapes, but we too consider the "(piestion settled," that these Italian bees v. G. For The Lancaster Farmeu. STRAWBERRIES. Such a largo number of new strawberries are yearly offered that if each one were to in- vest in all that are said to be superior to any- thing we ever had belore, he would need to have a long purse, and would have to enlarge his fruit gardens. I thought it would jier- liaps be interesting to the readers of The F.MiMKR to have some description of sroductive as the Wil- son, and of better quality, but docs not average as large. Durlirss. — The reputation of this for earli- ness stands very high. Fiirrst Ruse. — A large, showy berry, from Lancaster, Ohio. Sc^veral years' trial in vari- ous parts of the eotmlry would indicate that it will jirove a really valuable acquisition. Cindei-illa and Continental Faviirite. — Two varieties originated by Mr. Felton, of Xew Jersey, have been highly sixiken of last season, said to be ;is productive ;is C'lesceut Seedling and of better size and quality. Sluu-jiitss. — Originated by J. K. Sharpless, of Catawissa. Pa. Ilasbeeii tested by noted frtiit-giMwers in different localit ies— is an enormous grower and very ])roilnctive. Said to have been grown twelve inches in circum- ference. Think of it! Strawberries as large as the largest peaches ! Gi-eat American. — Said to be a match in size to Sharpless. President Lincoln. — A strong, healthy plant, berries of the largest size aiid of very good quality. Durand\t Beauty emd Mincr''s Great Fro- lifir. — Both large, showy berries ; are also highly spoken of where tried. To grow these large varieties in iierfection re enough. We then had a long point put to the drill-plow, and we had no further trouble about not covering. We got the corn jtlaiited, and waited eight days and saw no si;;n of it coming up yet. Then we examined to see the cause of this, and we found that we had planted our corn from fire to six inches deep; it was oidy on the ninth and tenth days that it commenced to show above the surface, and then very irregu- larly. About the time the corn was coming up one of those cold, wet spells set in and it was too late, we thought, to replant when the soil was in condition again. If we would have examined the corn-drill a little closer we would have found the difflculty to exist in the spout that drops the grains in the furrow ; this sjniut rtiust always be made to drop as close up to the plow as possible or the work will be imperfeetly done. At the lirst harrowing the plants had a miserable appearance, being yellow and striped, and without that full heart for which healthy young corn is noted. At the second harrowing it had grown some, but was still yellow and striped, and much behind the corn of surrouitding neighbors. On examining the roots of the stalks that wer(> strilied we were surprised to .see them full of plaiit-lice (aphis,) and we were now pretty certain we woulil have a comi)lete failure. But we kei>t on liarrowing the corn, kee])ing the surface loase, until .at last the corn commenced to grow and wc only (piit working it when it got to be pretty large and a storm laid it over so we could not quite finish the Held, so that a part of the corn was not thinned out. In the finishing we used the hoe only to remove the grass in the row, using nothing but the har- row between the rows and not hilling any, having adopted the llat .system of cultivation. We have just linislied husking, and the re- sult was a sm-iiiise to all, the yield being ll.'i bushels of ears to the acre and' very little soft corn, even the smtdler ears being fully ma- tured. Though it was not one of the "over a liundred bushels shelled " crops of corn, it is satisfactory, considering the season. Let us see whether we etimiot glean something worth remembering from the results given above. The liming we will not discuss at present, but I merely state tiiat my father considers sod that is to be ploughed under for corn the best place to put lime. Some practice plough- ing soil in the fall because the soil will be more completely rotteil. I have no doubt but tluit this is the case, but is there any advan- tage in it. Corn when young does not need so much nourishment as when older, and even if it did, if the sod was completely inverted, the youngcorn would derive very little benefit, liecause the roots do not extend to where the bulk of the sod lies. If we iilougli just before planting time the soil will, in most cases, be just in that moist state that will facilitate germination ; if it has been ))loughe(l longer, llien it may be either too dry or loo wet. And :is the young corn can find ;i snllicient supply of nourish- ment the sod will be lotting below it, and by the time the plant needs additional nourish- ment the sod will be just about rotted, and this is the lime when all manures are at their best. Before that time they will not .so readily give up the elements necessary to plant growth, and after il ihey do not seem to have the same slrenuth, probably because this strength h;isl)een seattcrid into the surround- ing soil. In the next place we must consider the seasons we now have. According to the "oldest inhabitant," long years . ago our seasons were iiuite moist, the very dry season being the exception. Now dry seasons are the rule, and moist or wet seasons very excep- tional. Should not this have some bearing on the dei>th at which we plant and also the method of cultivation 'i' IMost of the readers of this will probably recollect a short artiele published to the effect that a certain tribe of Indians in one of the western territories planted corn fifteen inches deep, if I recollect aright. This deep plant- ing is practiced by them on account of the drouths to which they are accustomed. Why should we not imitate them, not by iilantinc; fifteen inches dee]), because that would rarely be possible, except in .lersey sands and a few other favorable places, but by planting, say six incljes deep on all loose or sandy .soils that are well drained. I believe that in five years out of six we would be gainers by this prac- tice, as there are very few years when our corn crops would not be benefited by the roots having more moisture. In the cultivation, also, something can be done to keej) more moisture at the roots. If we ridge or hill the corn as has been usual, we take .several inches of soil from the top and bring the bulk of the small fibrous roots that much nearer the dry surface. This is avoided by liat ctdtivation, and wiien the corn is iilaiited dee]) there is veiy little danger of the rootlets being cut or mutilated by the harrow being run through as late as possible. In a moist season, or at any time when there is a danger of the corn running to stalk too much, the harrow may be run deeper, so as to purimsely cut the roots, it being now almost iniiversally acknowledged that root-prnniug will cause an increased yield where growth is excessive. Let it not be supposed that we iittribnte our success this year to any fore- sight, as we must give all the credit to acci- dents and necessities. The deeii-iilanting was an accident; the repeated cultivation was necessary to keep weeds down while the corn was small ; the fiat cultivation was only done because the field, all but two acres, is a pretty stce]) hillside. We can attribute the crop, however, to liming, late iiloughing, deep planting and thorough cultivation. — A. B. K. For The Lancaster Farmer. CHOCOLATE SORGHUM. If sugar may be made out of watermelons, sweet iiotatoes and cornstalks, as well as out of sugar cane and sorghum, why not choco- late out of other plants as well as out of the chocolate nut ? When a lad of some ten or twelve years I was sent on an errand to .limmy Low'.s, a colored family, on Walnut .street, ^larietta. It was early morning, ;ind the family was i82 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ December, Just rising from the breakfast table. They iu- vited me to sit down and eat, but as their hospitality had been forestalled by a hearty breakfixst at home, they offered me " a cup of chocolate," an article too rare and too deli- cious to a boy's palate, when well made and well sweetened, to be refused more than once, and that only "for good manners !" So I sat down and soon despatched what appeared to uiy uiiconnoisseure taste to be a cup of weak but pretty good chocolate. I found out that they raised the article of which it was made in their own garden, and was shown the plant on which it grew, and often saw it aftei'ward. It resembled what is now called Imphee, a plant of the broomcorn and sorghum order, much used, like sorghum, in the west as well as elsewhere, especially dur- ing the rebellion, for making syrup and sugar. The stalk and leaves were like sorghum, the head forming an oval clump of dark purple seeds, which were roasted, as if for coffee, and poHnded in a mortar or coarsely ground in a cortee mill, and then prei)ared as choco- late usually is. I have searched among the many varieties of sorghum and imphee met with in the last fifteen years, but have been unable to find this particular plant. Yet I have been told that it is grown as one of the many sugar-producing sorghums, and tliat its botanical njime is Holms hi color. As the seed head of that raised by James Low was uni- formly purple, and so dark as to be called black; I have thought there might be a mis- take in the name or its application. I will add that I have heard that the seeds of the common broom-corn, when properly roasted, and mixed and ground with a little coffee, have been used as a substitute for coffee during " hard times," and been found very palatable. Perhaps when the palate and nervous system have been duly disciplined while coifee is very dear, the addition of this (by way of change,) to other numerous substi- tutes for the Arabian berry, may be of some gratification to lovers of coffee. It has, at least, the merit of being very cheap and plentiful in some sections of our land, and easily raised in almost any garden. — A. B. Grofih, Washington, D. C. [When a boy we lived in the same street that Jimmy Low did, about two squares west of his house ; and we can distinctly recall the kind of cliocolate referred to by the writer of the above. For, not only was it cultivated and used at our home, but also by a number of our neighbors, and we imagined it as good as the genuine ; and we can yet see the' bunches of seed heads hanging all winter in the attic, for next seasons planting. Judging from such time-marks as we can fix in our mind, our mother cultivated the "cliocolate corn " in the summers of 18-21, 18-22 and, per- haps, 1823. On the stalk the seeds, or that portion i)rotruding from the glumes, were a very dark purple, and the stalk was also streaked with the same color. But we have no distinct recollection of having seen any of it since that period. AVe think it was called " Chinese chocolate.^'' — Ed.] HOME-MADE MANURES. We publish the following scientific fornmlas for the manufacture of "home-made manures" on the farm, and which our agricultural readers can keep and refer to at any time when they may have occasion and opportunity to com- pound them for themselves. The time is cer- tainly graduall}% but steadily, approaching when every farmer will be compelled to pay some heed to scientific farming, and especially to the comiiounding of artificial manures. The future tendency of our country, through the rajjid increase of its poimlation, will be towards increasing the number of our farms and farmers ; the diminishing of the size of our farms, and a higher, more thorough and intelligent state of culture, through which, and with less labor, an increased and im- proved amount of products may be realized. The following twenty-two formulas — twenty- one of which are adapted to ci-ops grown in Lan- caster county — will, at least, be helps in experi- menting on manures and soils. They were originally published l)y the Harrison Brothers &C'o., of Philadelphia, Pa., who have de- voted much time and tliougbt to analytical chemistry, and possess no ordinary reputation in that branch of science. The great need of the farmer is a cheap and effective manure. In these formulas we have aimed to meet that want. Chemical manure is a concentrated fertili- zer having no useless materials. It is more powerful than barnyard manure, since in the latter the fmr valuable constituents, nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash and lime are mixed with bulky foreign matters, which hinder their action, while (ui the other hand, chemi- cal manure is composed only of sulistances which act directly, and are easily absorbed by plants. No machinery is required to mix these "home-made" manures. Ordinary farm labor can mix them as successfully as the practical chemist. The formulas may be relied upon as the best mixtures for the special crops for which they are intended, and are calculated to suit the requirements of the average product of a well cultivated single acre. No. 1. Wheat. — For 20 bushels over natural yield. Sulphate of Ammonia, 2.5 per cent., . 200 ths. Ground Bones, 100 " Oil of Vitriol, 660, 40 " Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent., . . 50 " Sulphate of Soda, 40 " Land Plaster, 170 " 600 No. 2. Indian Corn. — For 30 bushels over natural yield. Ground Bones, 100 lbs. Oil of Vitriol, 66°, 40 " Sulphate of Ammonia, 2.5 per cent., . ISO " Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent., . . 125 " Sulphate of Soda, 35 " Land Plaster, 120 " 600 " No. 3. Oats. — For 30 bushels over natural yield. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . 150 lbs. Ground Bones, 50 " Oil of Vitriol, 66°, 20 " Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent., . . .50 " Sulphate of Soda, SO " Land Plaster, 100 " 400 " No. 4. Bakley. — For 30 bushels over natural yield. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . 175 Ihs. Ground Bones, . . . . . . 75 " Oil of Vitriol, 66°, "30 " Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent., . . 65 " Snlphate of Soda, )35 " Land Plaster, 120 " .500 '• No. 5. Rye. — For 20 bushels over natural yield. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . . 140 lbs. Ground Bones, 60 " Oil of Vitriol, ecfi, 25 " Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent., . . 50 " Sulphate of Soda, . • . . . . 45 " Land Plaster, 130 " 450 " No. 6. Buckwheat. — For 25 bushels over natural yield. Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent., . . 100 lbs. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . . 185 *' Ground Bones, 100 " Oil of Vitriol, 60°, 40 " Sulphate of Soda, 75 " LaudPlastei, . , . . . . 100 " 600 No. 7. Cotton.- ■For 500 pounds Lint over natural yield. Ground Bones, Oil of Vitriol, 66°, Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent.. Sulphate of Soda, Land Plaster, Sulphate of Magnesia, crude, . 600 " No. 8. Tobacco. — For 1,000 lbs. dry leaf over na- tural yield. Sulphate of Potash, 25 per cent., . . 700 lbs. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . . 310 " Ground Bones, Oil of Vitriol, 66°, Sulphate of Magnesia, crude, Land Plaster, 100 lbs. . 40 " 100 " . 150 " 1400 " No. 9. Cabbages. — For 15 tons over natural yield. Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent., . . 3.50 lbs. Sulphate of Ammonia, 35 per cent., . . 400 " Ground Bones, i;.50 " Oilof Vitriol, 66°, 100 " Sulphate of Soda, 50 " Land Plaster 200 " No. 10. Beans. — For 20 bushels over Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent.. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent.. Ground Bones, .... Oil of VitJiol,660, Sulphate of Soda, .... Land Plaster, .... 1350 " natural yield. 120 lbs. . 320 " 100 " . 40 " 100 " . 120 " 800 " No. 11. Peas. — For 20 bushels over natural yield. Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent., . . 90 lbs- Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . 250 " Ground Bones, 100 " Oil of Vitriol, 66°, 40 " Sulphate of Soda, 60 " Laud Plaster, 160 " 700 " No. 12. Sugar Beets.— For 10 tons (Roots) over natural yield. Sulphate of Ammonia, 35 per cent., . . 240 lbs. Ground Bones, ..... 100 " Oil of Vitriol, 66°, 40 " Sulphate of Potash, 25 per cent., . . 8.50 " Land Plaster, 120 " 1350 " No. 13. Potatoes.— For 200 bushele over natural yield. Sulphate of Potash, 25 per cent., . . 550 lbs. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . 200 " Ground Bones, 100 " Oil of Vitriol, 66°, . . . . 40 " Land Plaster, 120 " Sulphate of Soda, 40 " 1050 " No. 14. Onions. — For 400 bushels over natural yield. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . . 220 lbs. Ground Bones, . . . . ■ 1.50 " Oil of Vitriol, 66°, 60 " Sulphateof Potash, 25 per cent., . . 250 " Land Plaster, 120 " 800 " No. 15. Turnips. — For 10 tons (roots) over natural yield. Ground Bones, 100 lbs. Oil of Vitriol, 06°, 40 " Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . 275 " Sulphate of Potash, 25 per cent., . . 600 " Land Plaster, 150 " Sulphate of Soda, 35 " 1200 " No. 16. Cakrots. — For 300 bushels over natural yield. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . 350 lbs. Ground Bones, 100 " Oil of Vitriol, 66°, 40 " Sulphate of Potash, 25 per cent., . . 500 " Land Plaster, 150 " Sulphate of Soda 60 " 1200 " No. 17. Peach Tubes and Grapevines. — Per acre. Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent., . . 400 Ibe. Nitrate of Soda, 95 per cent., . . . 3.50 " Ground Bones, 400 " Oil of Vitriol, 66°, 160 " Sulphate of Soda 90 " Land Plaster, 200 " 1600 No. 18. Strawberries. Muriate of Potash, 80 per cent.. Nitrate of Soda, 95 per cent., . Ground Bones, Oil of Vitriol, 66°, -Per acre. 220 lbs. 160 " 150 " 60 " Land Plaster, 110 700 No. 19. Timothy and Meadow Grass.— Two tons {Dry) over natural yield. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . . 300 lbs. Ground Bones, 100 " Oil of Vitriol, 60O, • . . . . 40 " 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 183 Muriate of Potash, ^0 per cent., Sulphate of Soda, Laud Plaster, ... 150 11)8. til) " ;;oo " sr>() •• No. 20. Ci.ovEU.— Two tons (Cured) over natural yield. Muriate of Potash, «0 per cent., . . 175 H>s. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . . "50 " (iround Bones, 100 " Oil of Vitriol, fiOO, 40 " Sulphate of Soda, .S5 " Land Plaster • . 1.50 " 750 " No. 21. Foi>Di:u Coitx. — For 10 tons (Green) over natural yield. Muriate of Potash, SO per cent., . . 175 lbs. Sulphate of Ammonia, 25 per cent., . . 175 " (iround Bones, 100 " Oil of Vitriol, (jfiO, , . . . . 40 " Land Plaster, 110 " 0(10 " No. 22. FoDDEB Ryu.— For 3 tons (Green) over natural vield. Muriate of Potash, HO per cent., . . 00 Ihs. Sulphiite of -Ammonia, 25 per cent., . . 100 " (iround Bones, ..... 75 " Oil of Vitriol, (KiO :>0 " Sulphate of Soda, 45 " Laud Plaster, 100 " 500 " Remarks. Chemical raiinures should be spi'ead as regti- larly as possible, at once aftei- tlie la.st plow- ing, broadcast, and follow li}' a careful tiar- rowiujj, tlitit they may be tlioroughly mixed witli the soil. If the spreadiiip; be done by hand, it will be more evenly performed if the . manure be mixed with its own bulk of fine dry ctirth. WiiE.VT. — After a severe winter, or one in whicli but little snow has fallen, wheat is 2;en- erally much enfeebled. Willi 12.") lbs. sulphate of annnonia, or l.'Mllbs. iiitr;ite of soda, mixed with loU His. land plaster, to be used as a top dressing for one acre, as early in ISIarch as practical)le, the field will be changed in a few days from its sickly appearance to a healthy slate, and the crop insured. The effect of such top-dre.-ising is (juile marked. It is im- portant, however, not to ai'ply this top-dress- ing later, in this latitude, th;tii April 1st, as its ejl'ect might then be (o liasteii the growth so much tliat straw would preponderate and the grain not be plump or plentiful. Gkapevinss. — The pro]ier method of ap- plication is to tiike half i)f the manure and spread it in a band V2 inches wide, and 8 inches distiint from the rows of vines ; this manure is then buried with a spade. The •other half should be spread at the surface of the ploughed ground. Always manure grape- vines in the fall of the year. Barnyard manure m;iy be used in conjunc- tion with chemiciil manures, if desired ; and when so used our recipes rnay be reduced in amount one-half. Plough tinder, deep, the barnyard manure, iind sjiread over the surface the chemical fertilizers f(//cr the hist ploughing. The prei)iiration of chemical manures, made by the foregoing recipes, is a very simjile process. Any person may, by following the instructions here laid down, m;inufacture his own fertilizers without dillicnlty. To di.ssolve bones, sulphuric iicid shotdd be used, as it is the most powerful economical means for that end. When the ;icid reaches the bones the mass elfervesces, boils up and be- comes warm, the sulphuric acid taking tiway two-thirds of the lime of the bone from tlie phosiihuric ai-id, which remains united with the other third, forming a stiplier-iihosphate, which substance is jierfectly soluble in w;iter, and is called .soluble iihosphale. One hun- dred pounds of ground r;iw bones require forty pounds of sulphuric acid (oil vitriol). If calcined bones (bone-blackl be the ma- terial used, every hundred pouu coarse bones, is first to be poured on the liou.s. ;ind be Well stirred in with a spade or hoe, and left for two or three days to lieat and ferment. After the bones have fermented (and not until tlicn) add the oil of vitriol, at the rate of 40 Itis. to each 100 ths. of boiK^s, stirring well with a v'oodni spade, or boiird, until tlie mass stops boiling. Stir twice a diiy, thorouglily, for two days, and then hit the whole stand for two days ; after whicli the line bone may be ad- ded to dry up the moisture. If these jirove insullieient use some absoiliing substance, as saw-dust, dry jieat or muck, or line dry earth, in small qinintities, and mix in well. Do not use for this purpose lime, ;isbes or marl, its they would destroy the superphosphate and spoil the whole work: When the dissolved bones have become per- fectly dry — and not before it is so — add tlio other substances which are to compose the fertilizer, one at time, stirrring each in thoroughly, in its turn, witli the bones, re- serving the land Jilaster to be worked in as the last tiling. Chemical manures, when not intended for immediate use, should be barrel- ed up and kept in a dry place. THE GKRMANTOWN TELEGRAPH'S REVISED FRUIT LIST. Since the last publication of our fruit list we have, for .satisfactory reasons, changed our o|)iuioii with respect to a few of the fruits which it contained. But in regiird to tlie list as a whole we can see no just grounds for disturbing it. Indeed, we do not see how it can be improved for this section of the country, or as a general list for all the Middle States. Some of each of the separate selec- tions may not do well upon one premises that will succeed admirably on ;inotlier. Each grower must find out for himself the particu- hir iipples, pears, &c., especially iidiipted for his soil and location. According to our jiresent preference we shotdd select the following for our own plant- ing : Standard Pears. — 1, GifTard ; 2, Early Catharine ; 8, Kirtland ; 4, Bloodgood ; 5, Summer Julienne ; 0, Tvson ; 7. Brandy wine ; 8, Bartlett ; 0, Belle Lucrative ; 10, Man- ning's Elizabeth ; 11, Seckel ; 12, Howell ; 1:5, Anjou ; 14, Shelden ; 1."), St. Ghislan ; 10, Rtitter ; 17, Lawrence ; 18, Reading. For those who nw}- desire ;i smaller number we should select : 1, Giflard ; 2, Etirly Catha- rine ; .3, Bloodgood ; 4, Tyson ; .5, Bartlett ; 0, Belle Lu -rative ; 7, Seckel ; 8, Lawrence ; II, Retiding. They ripen iii the order they are arranged. In the above general list, from No. 1 to 8 are summer varieties ; from 0 to 10 autumn (early and late) ; and 17 and 18 winter, thus atl'ording a snlHcient number for each of the periods of the best known .sorts for this region. We have dropped Doyenne d'Ete, Buffam, Boussock and Feaster, tis not coming up to the mark of excellence or productive- ness we iiim at. We liiive added St. Ghislan as an excellent variety, though but little cultivated here, and restored Kirtland, a good and reliable variety, after ;i long trial. Dirnrf Pears.— 1, St. Michael d'Archange ; 2, Bartlett; 3. Cornice; 4, Rostiezer ; ."), Dielil; 0, Tvson ; 7, Belle Lucrative ; 8, Lawrence ; 0, Ott ; 10, Louise Bonne; 11, Boussock ; 12, Glout Morceau. Ajqile.'!. — 1, jSIaiden's Blush; 2, Baldwin; .'1, Suiokehouse ; 4. Jefferies ; 5, Smith'sCider; 0, Xorthern Spy ; 7, Fallawater ; 8, Cornell's Fancy ; il. Red Astrachan ; 10, Wagener ; 11, Porter; 12, Gravenstein. We add to ihe foregoing list Porter and Gravenstein, both most e.xcelleut varieties. the latter perhaps, as it respects quality, the liest .apple grown. /'((«7(r'.s. — 1, Crawford's Earlv ; 2, ITale's Kiirly; .3, York's Early: 4. Old Mixon; 5, ( niwford's Ltitc ; (i, Ward's Late ; 7, Smock's Late ; 8, Siisiiuehaima. There is no solid reason to change this list so far as it goes. We suggested to peach- growers to favor us with ii list of their own, and a few did, but where they dill'ered from oiu's we did not deem ;in imiiroveineiit. Grape.'i. — 1, Telegnipli ; 2, Concord; 3, Hartford ; 4, Clinton ; .'>, Salem ; G, Creveling. Salem has proved witli us to be excellent — we think the best out-door grape, it having hut little pulp ; also Rogers' 21 beiirs abun- dantly, tiiid will become pojiular. No. 112 is a beautiful pink giiipe, almost tiiiiispareiit, an abundant bearer and very good in ipialitj'. There are new varieties "in the market," but we advise to keeii them at a disttince for the liresent. Clinton, in tlie foregoing list, is only lor wine, ;iiid is probably the very best for that purpose in this section. (7i(rrif'.s.— 1, May Bigtirretui ; 2, Belle i\e Choisv : •'!, Black Tartarian ; 4, Bliick Eagle; .">, Bli'ick Hawk ; 0, Elton ; 7, Downer's Late; 8, Early Kichinond ; '.I, Early Puriile Guigne; 10, Delaware Bleeding Heart. The riiiening of the list will range from the earliest to the latest, thus ciiriying one through the whole cherry seiison. No one can go ami.ss in adopting this list. Paspbcrrie!:. — 1, Hornet ; 2, Herstine ; 3, Philadelphia; 4, Brandywine. The Herstine has jHoved itself to stand in the front rank aiuong raspberries in quiility and productiveness, but retiuires winter i>ro- tection. In other respects it is not to be pre- ferred to the Hornet, which is larger and the (ptality quite as good, with the additional tuivantages of keeiiing in liearing marUj three tiiiKS longer than the Herstine. The Brandy- wine as a market fruit is coming into much notice. Slrawherrka. — 1, Cajitain .Tack ; 2, Setli Boyden ; 3, Monarch of the West ; 4, Tri- omphe de Gaud. We have dropped Ilovey's Seedling and Albany Seedling, as having seen their best day in this section, and stdistituted Captain Jack and Seth ]5oyden. which just now are high up in the public favor. As to the former it is unexcelled. There ;irc several new varie- ties announced, but for the present we prefer to stick to our short list. (\(rrtints.—l. Black Xajiles ; 2, Red Dutch. These two Viirieties are the best among tlie dilt'erent colors. The Bed Dutch is a regular bearer and is of better ipiality than any other. There are others larger, but they are more acid. The white grape is tran.sparent, of good quality, and ought to be more generally grown, but it is not a gretit bearer. Gooseberries. — 1, Houghton ; 2, Downinfj. These are the two best gooseberries grown in the country. They bear every year heavy crops, are free from mildew, and are of excel- cellent (pmlity. They are large enough for all practiciil |iurposes. Keep clear of the giants and their big prices. Blai-h-tirrries. — 1, New Rochelle ; 2, Mis- souri Cluster ; :!, Wilson's Early. The Snyder, a new Western blackberry, is highly spoken of at distant points, but we prefer to wait another 5'ear before recommend- ing it. It is better th;tt those who intend to culti- vate fruit and have to make purchases, to take this list with them to the niir.sery, and adhere to it as far as iiossible. In selecting fruit trees, or any others, be careful to choose those with smooth, healthy- looking biirk, and have entirely shed their leaves, with plenty of small or fibrous roots. Trees on which the leaves remain after frost sets in, and stick to the liranches in the spring, may be regarded as not healthy, and in some way lacking stamina. [In addition to the above, or foregoing list, we would recommend the Sener Peach ; Schmeych's Lancaster Cherry, and Sener's Holland Pippin for Lancaster county. — Ed.] 184 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [ December, LIVESTOCK FARMING. No interest connected witli American agri- culture lias of Uite years attracted more notice than livestock fanning. This interest em- braces l.ieevcs, hiirscs, slicep, swine and poul- try, but the development to which we refer relates more particularly to cattle and horses. The food suiiply for Euroiie has for a long series of years directed enterprise to the pro- vision trade of the United States, in such a way that it has attained colossal dimensions. Latterly efforts have been made to transport to Europe fresh beef for sale, but the difficul- ties connected with this enterprise have more recently stimulated tiie export.ition of live- stock to Europe instead of fresh beef. This movement has taken shajie more particularly in Boston, at the port nearest Europe, and consequently the one from which the sliortest voyage is made. But the shipping of live- stock by steamers from that p jrt embraces horses, sheep and swine, as well as beeves, and the business increases at such a rate that it bids fair to become a leading branch of our national commerce. As regards horses, the demand in Europe is at all times so great that the principal martial powers of the continent frequently prohibit the exportation of these animals as an indispensalile measure required to insure for themselves an adequate supply of cavalry and artiller}' horses. The capacity of our country for the produc- tion of livestock is so vast that too much at- tention cannot be bestowed upon this busi- ness. Rightly understood livestock farming is really one of the best resources for the sup- port of a large population. Thousands of farmers who now waste their capital, time and labor, in the culture of crops that do not pay expenses on account of the markets being overstocked, could much more advantageously turn their attention to the breeding of liorses, horned cattle, sheep and swine, not merely for the European markets, but for the home de- mand also. In the prairie States of the West this has become a favorite employment in re- gions where, owing to the distance from the seaboard, the cidture of the cereal crojis is un- protitable. The leading livestock markets of the West are Chicago and St. Louis, but the shipments of stock to Europe are made chiefly from Chicago as a centre. These have proved so protitable that the business of exportation bids fair to become permanent and to take the place of the shipments of fresh beef. In the Southern Slates no movement has yet been made in this business, although no country in the world is better adapted to it. In the course of time, no doubt, the people of that section will lind it to their interest to raise live stock for exportation upon the same scale that they do cotton and tobacco. Of the States of the old South, iNIissouri, Texas and Kentucky seem to be the only ones that have gone into stock farming to any great extent, and of these Texas has made it an immen.se interest; in fact the cattle herds of Texas ex- ceed those of any other State or territory in the Union — the horned cattle alone reaching four millions. From Texas as a centre the cattle breeding interest has extended into Colorado, AVyoming, Nebraska, Dakota and Montana, and wouUI be colossal in all of them but for the havoc committed by border ruf- tians and jircdatory Indians. In California this business has been revived in the southern comities, where it nourished in the old Sjian- isli times on a great scale, but perished with all other industries at tbe outbreak of the gold excitement. The old settlers of Spanish race still cling to stock farming as their tra- ditional business, and many oif them employ tbe original Indians as herdsmen. Connected with stock farming are various industries of great importance to a country like ours, such as the commerce in hides, glue, wool, whips, boots and shoes, leather, etc. Thus, there- fore, stock farming has an importance to tbe civilized arts of the world beyond and above all connection with the food supply ; and if our countrymen can be induced to engage in this business generally, and on a grand scale, there can be no doubt that the result would be to give us command of the commerce of the world. It is greatly to be regretted that a more general attention is not paid to the business at the South, where immen.se tracts of land are available for the purpose that are now lying idle. In consequence of the rapid rise of this in- terest, young cities in the West have risen up to large diinensious, and promise to become commercial rivals of St. Louis and Chicago. This is really the case with Kansas City, and will in the course of time become so also with Denver and other places. West Virginia seems to us peculiarly fitted for such a busi- ness as this. It is carried on there already to a considerable extent, and contributes large supplies of cattle to the seaboard market. Western Pennsylvania has also bestowed some attention on this liusiness, but not to the ex- tent that it should have done. Grain farming being in a large degree unprofitable here in the seaboard States, on account of the enor- mous crops of the West, and truck farming in this region being also subject to the com- petition of the earlier crops of the southern seaboard, stock farming seems to afford ex- actly the resources needed by our agricultural interests. This is a business in which the South has no advantage derived from its earlier seasons, and in England, where farm- ing labors under the disadvantage of enormous foreign competition, stock farming has be- come a general reliance. So it should be with ■us of the North Atlantic States, ^vhere the profits of agriculture have been diminished year by year in consequence of our markets being flooded with the enormous crops of the West and South. — Germantown Telegrajjli. ALL ABOUT EGGS. Perhaps not one person in a thousand can tell that anything is the matter with an egg unless it is completely spoiled. Doubtless the vast majority of those who eat eggs, so season them as to do away with its flavor, if it had any in the first place. Three-fourths of them go down to their graves iu blissful ignorance of the fact that for half their lives they have been eating "pickled" eggs and paying for fresh ones. A pickled egg is brought about in this way: Some time during July, when the weather is warm, and the eggs low, a worthy farmer, whose business tact and piety is about equally balanced, procures a barrel, fills it full of lime and eggs, and in the fall, stocks the market with "fresh" eggs. The lime, of course, prevents the egg from addling. It re- quires an epicure to detect the dift'erence in taste between a "limed" egg and one fresh from the manufactory. But there is one test that gives the "pickled" egg away ; It won't boil ; whenever it comes in contact with hot water, the shell dissolves partnership in the middle. Tliey are sold at a figure one-third less than can be obtained for the newly- laid article. The "Ice-House" Egg. Then there is the grade kuown as the "ice- house" egg, where the same worthy farmer aforementioned, instead of putting his "cor- ner" in eggs in a lime barrel, places the bar- rel in an ice-house, and confidently waits cold weather and increase in prices. One charac- teristic is noticeable ahont an "ice-house." When taken from the barrel it invariably "sweats ;" in fact a keen eye can discern a vapor rising from the shell. Another sign of this egg is, the "white" and yelk contract and do not fill the shell. The endurance or ca- pacity of an egg to retain its freshness is iirouglit out quite vividly in this process. A New Jer.sey Cochin Chiiia egg will taste the sanae three weeks after as when it was first laid ; a longer time than that gives it a rather insipid flavor. Pennsylvania and Maryland rank equal iu the matter of retaining fresh- ness, and then follow Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri. "Candled" Eggs. It may be s.afely said that of the thousands who take their "fried, both sides," not one is aware that a test exists by which experts can correctly determine the age of an egg. This is, however, true. In the matter of butter such a test is unfortunately, as yet, undis- covered. This IS ascertained by what is known as the "candling" process. A good egg is transparent— everybody admits this. To determine this fact it is generally held be- fore a caudle. If it can be seen through it is good; if otherwise it is "n. g. " The extent of shrinkage in the white determines how old the egg is, a thirty-second part of an inch in- dicating tliree weeks, a sixteenth six weeks, and so on. A bad egg is opaque ; it also gen- erally makes its whereabouts known. Addled Eggs. To the general reader the good in a bad egg was past finding out. It has none — except to be used as "testimonials of esteem" upon candidates fov office, when all other experi- ments to make them aware of the feelings of their constituency have failed. "If you sup- pose that the only use to which a bad egg can lie put," said an egg merchant to a press re- porter yesterday, "is to pelt objectionable politicians, you are as benighted as the Afri- can heathen. Now, mum's the word, is it ? All right. Well, I sell bad eggs to be used for cooking purposes. As you live, that's so. Not only have the parties told me for what they used them, but I have seen them with my own eyes. How much do I get for them ? Six cents a dozen. Here, look at this egg. Its 'spotted' — in other words addled; to make it plainer, rotten. Were I to break the shell tbe odors it would shed would i-ival a first-class glue factory, or a horse-boiling establishment in July. Don't mean to say that things peo- ple eat are made of those eggs ? That's just exactly what I mean to say and can prove it. What do they make ? Cookies, doughnuts, pies, cakes— in fact, this woman whom I know used them to make these things sells to all these venders of pastry and pies on the streets. The smell ? Oh, that is deadened by the preparation of hartshorn. You are fond of cookies? So was I until this revelation. Somehow I don't relish them now — maybe its owing to the water — possibly because I know what's in them. That's why these street- corner merchants sell their eatables so cheap — because eggs are the principal ingredients, and if they can buy them tor six cents a dozen you at once see that they can afford to sell 'cookies' cheaper than parties who have to pay twenty-flve cents a dozen. The longer you live the more, etc. I wouldn't have be- lieved it if I hadn't seen it ; now that I have seen it my diet has changed. I am convinced now that there is no waste in this world ; mat- ter simply changes form, that's all." MANAGING A SMALL FARM. Whether it is best for a farmer to own a large or small farm is a question to be deter- mined by each individual. If a man has the capital to buy and stock a large farm, and the business capacity to manage it, then a large farm is the best for him. It is a fact which a limited observation will prove, that large farms are not. as a rule, as well cultivated, or as economically managed as small ones. As I have had twenty years' experience on a forty acre flirm, I feel a sympathy for small farmers, and somewhat competent to advise them. There are many men who have not means to liuy a large farm, yet whose tastes are such that they jirefer a country life; and yet they are afraid that they cannot make a living on a small farm, for they see many farmers with a hundred acres or more, who seem to have a perpetual struggle to make both ends meet. I am aware that it requires better farming, and often more economy to manage a small farm, and support and educate a family, than it will on a larger farm, l)ut that it can be done has been jiroved in numberless instances. In the management of such a farm, one must be governed by the circumstances sur- rounding him. He needs to grow crops which will bring quick returns, for he cannot wait, as the large farmer sometimes can, to raise a herd of cattle and sell them at three or four 1878.J THE LANCASTER FARMER. d85 years old; neillier can he afforrt to hold crops vi'iv loiiLj fcir :i risi' in prices. The Ih'st object ol' the siumII fiiriuer should be lo pniihiec ;is nearly as possilile, all lliat bis family needs. And then it possilile be should liave'a small regular iue direct necessity should induce bim to .l;o in i'udenee in the " iiay as yon so '' ruU'. which will compen.sateforalari;e amount of self denial. Jt will cost you more nuhajipy hours, to find yourself at the end of the year unable ty, city; Levi W. (Iroir, West Earl ; Casper Ililler, Conestoija ; Jos. I'\ Witnier, Paradise; W. H. Brosius, Dnimore; Daniel Smeyeli, city; Calvin ,C()o[ier, Bird-in-IIaiid ; Frank i;. Dill'eiiilcrfer, city; .lolm Hidicr, Warwick; .1. M. Johnston, city; Clare Carpenter, city; William Jolui- son. Paradise ; William McComsey, city; Dr. D. W. Bollinsrer, city; Ephraim S. Hoover, Manheim ; Levi S. Heist, Manhcim ; Isaac Bushong:, Upper Leaeock; William Wcidle, city; C. L. Ilunsecker, Maulieim ; Israel L. I.audis, city. Keports of special committees beiuc: called for, F. hi. DilfenderfTer said tlie committee appointed to examine the competitive essays scut in were ready to report, liut as only one memtier was present, asked that the matter be delayed a short time. Crop Reports. H. M. Engle said tlie grain crop has improved vastly since the last nieetin;;. It is not (food yet, hut still it looks as if it might make a lair croji. Tlie rain fall for November was 2% inches. W. Jl Brosius reported the wheat crop as looking very well, especially that sown prior to September •JOiii. The corn crop is a two-thirds crop, which is ninch better tlian was expected. Casper Hiller has seen grain look better than now, but still there is no cause for alarm. It has improved very much of late, and looks well. C. Cooper also reported the general improvement in wheat. It now looks as if it would stand the win- ter well. Levi W. firoff thought much of the wheat did not come up when first sown, hut has come out since. The grass looks well ; he lias some, both clover and timothy, on a cullivaled lield, and he never had any that looked so regular and even. Reading of Essays. A lengthy essay, on the cultivation of grain of all kinds, written by F. Sutton, of this city, was read. (See page 1(!S.) The report of the Committee on Competitive Es- says was then read, and was as follows : Competitive Essays. Frank R. Dilfenderffer, Chairman of the Commit- tee on Competitive Essays, read the following re- port: The undersigned committee, appointed at the last meeting of thi. Society to examine and report on such essays on tlie cultivation of small fruils and the cereals as might be handed in for exaininalion, re- spectfully reports that two pajiers have been suli- mitted, for tlieir inspection — lioth on the cultivation of corn. They have carefully examined liotli, and find them very carefully prepared, embodying the liest results of the present state of corn growing. They award the preference to the essay marked ".\," because of its exhaustive character, whicli is indeed such as to leave scarcely any point in the cultivation of this grain iiulouehed. Kespeetfully, F. R. DiFFENDKUFFER, Peter S. Rei8t, Wm. McComsey. A motion was then made to pay the premium offered to the succesiful essayists and agreed to. H. JI. Engle, one of the successful competitors, then read his essay, for which, see page 17!). The second essa.v was then read by its autlior, Casper Hiller, of Conestoga townsldp. In order to laise a tirst-elass crop of corn, it is im- portant to have a good clover sod, in fact it is ques- tionable whether it is good farming to plant in any other way. Towards spring, when the snow and ice are out of the way, spread five or six loads of good stable manure on each acre, and if you have not enough to cover the field, sow just liefore plowing !> cwt. of Acidulated ."^outh Carolina rock on the bal- ance of the field. Vou need be in no hurry to plow. If you were sure that the ground would not become too dry, the Ist of May would be timeenough. After plowing, sow an additional .5 ewt. of the rock per acre, on the plot where the rock was plowed down. Harrow and roll, and leave In that condition until time to plant— say about the l.'itli or 20lh of May. Draw jour furrows S'; feet apart, and make the hills from two to tlirce feet apart ,a<'i'i>riiing to the strength of the soil. Put in seed siiflieient lo have a set of two plants to each liill, and in order to make »nre of that, It may be necessary to follow quaint old Tuseer'» saying: Two for the blacll-tiinl, two for tlio crow, Two for Itie eut-woiin, two left to grow. Select seed that has an acknowledgml reputation, not In New York and Virginia, but in yoiirown local- ity. Let it lie a klml that makes cure somewhere in the neighborhood of a foot long, willi from sixteen lo twenty four rows of n-ed. Harrow as soon as the plant pc eps out of the ground-, and repeal the process oeeasionally. If the corn grows rank during June, root prune with a light, sharp plow, by turning a furrow from each side of the row, and return the earth the same day. Cultivate during July, making each succeeding cultivation shallower. Cut when pretty well ripened. Green cut fbdiler is not so well relished by cattle. Build your erilis to hold one hnnilred bushels to each acre planted. If the sea.'I. Engle remarked that he was accustomed to plant large gourd corn at one time, but he gave it up for the small gourd, which he assiduou^ly cuitivateil until it also became large. Vou can imrease or de- crease the size of your corn by proper selection. W. II. Brosius tiioiight the long season required to mature the large gourd seed was an objection to that variety of corn. Joseph F. Winner said he once got seed fiom Massachusetts, and the first crop was magnificent, but it has deteriorated until the present season, when it was a total failure. H. M. Engle said he has raised from eighty lo ninety bushels per acre of the improved small gourd variety. Questions for Debate. "Should the growing of toljacco be encouraged? If so, to what extent ?'' Epliraini S. Hoover said it appeared to him there was at the present time a mania for tobacco gi owing. Tie did not liclieve a hundred acre farm sliould grow more than five or six acres inaculpta. To the Historical Section. Master Wm. A. Marshall, of the United States navy, donated a "specimen brick" from the "Great CInnese Wall." Chas. C. Frailey, esq , donated a hunch of keys (five in number) that formerly be- longed to the old Lancaster prison. Three of these keys are numerically marked iii., viii. and xxvi., and the one received from 'Squire Evans is marked xxviii., which would imply that there are, or were, still others. S. S. Kithvon donated seven envelopes containing 85 historical and biographical scraps, and a copy of the Lancaster lutetllgencer, published by Mrs. Dickinson, and datca October, 1S26. Additions to the Library. The November number of The Lancaster Farmer and five eatalogues of valuable standard books, one of which had over 1.50 pages. Dr. Ilathvon read a paper (.506) descriptive of the difl'erent specimens donated, to be filed among the records of the society for future reference. Acordial and unanimous voteof thanks was passed to the difl'erent persons for their valuable donations. The treasurer reported tliree new subscribers to the museum stock sii.ee the last stated meeting, and that he hoped to be able to report all the obligations of the society canceled at the annual meeting, Decem- ber iS, 1878. It is also expected that the secretary and curators will make a full report of the society for the year. Professor Dubbs exhibited specimens of historical tiles from file Baron Si^gle mansion, at Manheim, which are now becoming rare and valuable. Also a handsome paintini.' by .Mr. David McN. Stauf- fer, of a family seal, which he obtained on his late visit to Europe. The meeting was not large, but it. was interesting, and the wonder is that so few take an interest in matters relating to science and iiistory. Much as the society needs pecuniary means it needs acting working members more. Adjourned to the date mentioned aliove. , Sheep-groweks in England claim that a feed consisting of cotton seed and turnips is not only the safest for fattening sheep, but will put on the mo.st fat and make the best mutton at the least cost. It also produces the strongest manure. AGRICULTURAL. Table Showing Quantity of Seed to Acre. Table showing the quantity of seed Lecessary for an acre, and the number of pounds in a bushel, as established by law : No. of Quantity com- lbs. per moDly sown to bushel. the acre. Timothy Seed, 45 s to 12 qts R-aClover 60 8 to 10 qts. Wiite Clover, 60 6 to 8 lbs Lucerne Clover, 60 8 to 10 Iba Alsjke tluver, 60 8 to 10 lbs Huugiiriau Grass Seed, 48 5i to X bus ■Vlillet 48 Ji to 1 bus. Hemp Seed 40 1 to Ivbue. Buckwheat, 43 l" bue RyeGrass ".'.' 1 to l>i bus! Keutucky Blue araes 14 1 to 2 bus. Red Top or Herd Grass n l to 2 bus' Orchard Grass 14 1 to 2 bus! Sweet Seuted Ver. Giasa 11 6 to 10 bus. Bailey, 48 to 2 bus! Beans 60 1 to 2 bus. Flaxseed 66 i^ bus. Rape Seed 50 2 to 6 lbs. Wlieat 60 1'4 to 2 bus. Rye 56 I to 2 bus. Peas 60 Ihi to 2 bus. Tares, or Vetches 60 3 bus. Oats, 30 2 to 3 bus. Corn, sbelled 56 4 to 6 qts. Corn, cob, TO Potatoes 60 10 to 10 bus. Carrot Seed 2 to 3 lbs. Beet Seed, 4 to 6 lbs- Parsnip Seed, 3 to 5 lbs. Onion Seed 4 to 6 lbs. Rutit Baga Seed, 1 to 1)^ lbs. Turuips, 56 1 to ])^ lbs. Top Oniou Sets 28 1 to 1)4 bus. Clover Aftergrowth. " What is the best course to pursue with the after- growth of clover where, as in my case, there is not sufHeient stock to feed it down ? If the clover is allowed to seed and to stand through the winter, will the crop next year he satisfactory? When the clover comes in luxuriant bunches, crowding out the red-top and other grasses, is it well to pass the .scythe over tiiem ?" Alowing and feeding down are similar in tli^iir eilect. As niueli of the clover crop consists in the roots, a second mowing does not exha.'st it ; and if it prevents the ripening of seed it may prove a positive advantage by preventing the exhaustion of maturing seed. If the land is not rich, an autumn top-dressing would be well repaid by the increased crop. Some excellent farmers neither mow nor feed down the second crop, but allow it to fall and rot on the ground in au*umn, or else mow it to prevent seed forming, when it sei-ves both as manure and as a niukli for the protection of the roots. It is well to pass a reaper a foot over pastures, cutting the seedy tops of the ripe grass, and giving the animals more ready access to the green herbage below. Home-Made Superphosphate. I place side by side two old flour barrels, in one of which I put whatever liones come to hand. In the- other I put a bucketful of wood ashes- f'rom the' house stoves, moislen them well and scattjcn a few bones on top. The process is repeated as the bones- and ashes are pruduced, and at the end of the year- some live or six barrels are the result. The mixture should be ke]it well moistened without being wet- enough to allow any drainage, and in about eighteeft months the small bones will liave disappeared alto- gether, and the large ones will have become soft enough to be easily crushed with the shovel while mixing the compost. The result is a manure which is far too powerful to use without mixing it with at least ten times its bulk of muck, or some fertilizing earth, and wliieh can then be ippbed with excellent eflect, especially with turnip land. I am of the opinion that it is almost, if not quite, as valuable as many of the purchased superphos[>hates and the plan is worth adopting if it is only to get rid of dan- gerous ashes and unsightly bones. Golden Millet. The golden millet must be sown every spring after the danger of frost is over, broadcast or in drills, in the same manner as oats, three pecks to one bushel of seed to the acre. It is a very rapid-growing grass, and matures in about ten weeks time. Its yield is enoriiions— often as much as five tons of hay aud one hniiilred bushels ol seed to the aci-e. It takes much labor to save it, aud a good force is necessary to follow the machine when cutting as grain. It is eagerly eaten by all stock, even hogs live and thrive on it, and it is a crop of which the farmer is sure to raise a fair yield every time he sows, one rain insur- ing a good crop. I have seen good hay from it when the season was too (loor to make hay from anything cite, and I am sure that when any farmer once gels into the seed he will not want to get out. It will grow in almost any climute, having been successfully grown iu some part of nearly every latitude from Maine to Florida. — Country Gentleman. 1878.] THE LANCASTER FARMER. 187 HORTICULTURAL. The Snyder Blackberry. A cnrrpsponileiit of tlie Frnit Recorder, living In Bureau county, III., has been erowinff this berry for five years, aiiii ijives it the followini,' eharueter : It is a slronL', thrifty, sturdy grower, but stron;: as it is, it. is none too niueh so to liolil up the trrcat l)uriien of fruit it liears, even when not piuelieil in. Kven when nei;lcetec1 (lurini; sfO'^'iiT •'""' "'"' afterward short- ened in lull one-half, they hear sueh enormous erops that frecpiently the plants will lie on the irround. In Vifcor anil stoekiness and liardiness of plant, unfail- ins: and unequaled fruitfulness, it stands first. In an experience of over twenty years with all the poi)ular kinds of blackberries I have never seen any that would produce one half as mueli, even after a niihl winter, when the more tender kinds were in frood condition. It has now been before the public twenty- six years, and wlien persons are fortunate ciioush to get the jrenuinc Snyder it receives only praise. No one speaks ill of it, and I have no doubt, that it is more important and profitable as a blackberry than the Kichmond as a cherry, the Wilson's Albany as a strawberry, the Concord as a sf'H'^') "f ^'0' other leadinir representative fruit whatever, to its family, to my knowledge. 1 think it would be well for every one first to try the Snyder before trying any un- known kiud, whatever its pretensions. DOMESTIC ECONOMY. White Willow for Hedges. A farmer in LaSalle county, Illinois, gives the fol- lowing description of the white willow as used by him for hedges. A cutting was planted by me in 1S4(!, which is bow over four and a half feet in diameter. It is steadily growing in favor in this vicinity, where the first hedges of it were made before I'^.'iO, being especially adapted for use on wet soils, and by using stakes five and a half feet long, from one to three inciies in diameter, set l-S inclies deep, a fence is readv for use. True the yield of other crops grown under the hedge is lessened, but the value of a fence, shelter afforded to grow'ing crops, and the great amount of poles furnished every few years make these hedges to a coneiilerablc ex- tent on every prairie farm here a paying inveslment. They are being very generally planted as shelter belts around orchards and stock yards, giving good satisfaction. As a people it seems to me we are apt to grudge trees and hedges the use of land tor healthy growth ; many feel dissatisfied if they caiuiot grow full crops of grain in an orchard. The while willow is one of the most valuable soft-wooded trees to plant for timber, especially on wet soils, being com- paratively durable, even for fence posts, if seasoned before setliug. Care of Fruit Trees. Young fruit trees, for the first two or three years after transjilanting, should before bard winter sets in be protected against mry undue quantity of iftiter, especially in low situations. This can be best d(Jne by making a small hillock of dirt around the stems suftieient to throw off the water and not let it settle about the roots. We have known young trees to be killeil by constant immersion in watei through most ol thewinler, and have frequently known them to be stunted, from which many of them never entirely recovered. On the other hand, in auininer these trees should have the soil slightly bowled out around them, ill order that they may have a more abundant supply of water than they would otherwise obtain. ^ Pear Blight. As soon as 1 discover pear blight, the leaves turn- ing dark, I take a iienknife and slit the outer bark on all the limbs as high as I can well reach, and thus down the trunk. The first time I tried this remedy was teuyears ago. Every limb recovered, and I have repeated it as often as the limbs have been affected. My trees are fine and healthy now. The theory is, poisoned sap escapes where the slit is made ; but the slit must be made as soon as there is any appearance of bliirht. ^ Covering Strawberries. Protect your vines in winter by covering the ground between tlie rows with cornstalks, bringing them close to the vines, and laying bean-poles across, to keep the stalks in place. This has long been fol- lowed in some of the Western States, and we give it now to remind those who have not other material at hand that cornstalks will answer the purpose. New Mode of Making Butter. Adam 8. Loewen, of Reading, has a machine for making butter which is of novel construction and works wonderful rcKults. His machine in an ordi- nary egg healer, holding about two cpiarls, and he uses a powder whicli be calls the "magic butler maker." The powder resembles white flour, and he colors the butter with a harmless coloring matter, so that when the butter is made it is of a beautiful yel- low color, resembling tbe best Lancaster or (;iiesler county butter. In three minutes from a pint of milk and a pound of butter, by the use of the egg beater, he makes two pounds of choice yellow butter, which In sweetness of toste is equal to any oll'cred for sale in the Heading markets. Mr. Loewen says that the process which he has will reduce the cost of butter fully forty per cent., which is a considerable saving when butter is selling at sixty cents a pound. Mr. Loewen exhibited the effect of bis powder in the production of butter at the Kar/le ofliee, and his representations were found to be correct. The milk .Mr. Loewen used was taken fresh from a cow owned by Mr. Dietrich, in Elm street. Mr. Loewen says the butter will keep just like other butter, losing none of its weight. lii less than two minutes and a half he made the butter in his ex|)eriment. One method by which the value of hops is ascer- tained, is by rubbing a few of the pods iu the palm of the hands and observing whether by this friction a small yellow dust is produced, while a clammy, resinous substance, exhaling a most fragrant odor, is perceptible, and at the same time whether the hops are of a fine, bright yellowish olive-green color. Roots, says the Practical Farmer, have become a necessity. Even the owners of work and driving horses in the large cities annually buy hundreds of bushels of carrots, mangel wurtzels, turnips, etc., to be fed in connection with grain food to their horses, and they are assured of tbe profitableness of using them. A Household Fruit Dryer. A Michigan man has invented a fruit evaporator, which is a simple addition to the houBeholil stove. It is said to do its work rapidiv and skillfully, and to be readily handled. The dryer is a long tin pan, which may be from three to six, eight or ten feet long, as may suit the convenience of the room in which is the kitchen stove ; in width it is made so that it covers one end of the surface top of an ordi- nary cook stove, as it rests on and operates by the heat of the stove. The machine may te kept at work all the time the cooking or baking is going on, as it occupies but two holes. This long tin pan, as it may be named, has a tight compartment orchamber, which is partly filled with water, and on the top sur- face of this compartment is placed the fruit or vege- tables prepared for drying. The liot water and steam in the lower compartment dries the fruit without danger of burning or crisping. A peek or half bushel of fruit may be dried in from one to two hours. The fruit when dried and packed is then in perfect conditon to put away beyond the reach of anything that will injure it. Receipt for Curing Meat. To one gallon of water take l'^ lbs. of salt, '^ lb. of sugar, }4 oz. of saltpetre, and '„ oz. of potash. In this ratio the pickle can be increased to any quan- tity desired. Let these be boiled together uniil all the dirt from the sugar rises to the top and is skim- med ofl". Then throw it into a tub to cool, and when cool pour it over your beef or pork. The meat must be well covered with picKle, and should not be put down for at least two days after killing, during which time it should be slightly sprinkled with powdered saltpetre, which removes all the surface blood, etc., leaving the meat fresh and clean. Some omit boiling the pickle and find it to answer well, though the operation of boiling purifies the jiickle by throwing off the dirt always to be found in salt and sugar. If this receipt is strictly followed it will re- quire only a single trial to prove its superiority over the common way or most ways of putting down meat, and will not soon be abandoned for any other. The meat is unsurpassed for sweetness, delicacy and freshness of color. ^ Oatmeal in the Household. In Great Britain children of all ranks are raised on an oatmeal diet alone, because it causes them to grow strong and healthful, and no better food can possibly be found for them. It is also quite as de- sirable for the student as the laborer, and for the delicate lady as for the hard-working sister ; indeed all classes would bo greatly benefited by its use, and dyspepsia, with all its manifold annoyances, can be kept at a safe distance. Oatmeal is most sub- stantial food ; it is equal to beef or mutton, giving as much or more mental vigor, while its great desidera- tum consists of one's not becoming weary of it, for i' is as welcome for breakfast or tea as is wheat or Graham bread. It can be eaten with syrup and butter or hasty pudding, or with cream and sugar, like rice. It is esiiecially good for young mothers upon whose nervous forces too great a dciiiand has been made, when they lose the equilibrium of the system and become depressed and dispirited. Oat- meal requires to be cooked slowly, and the wijtcr should be boiling hot when it is stirred in. ^ Household Receipts. MatbeWoktu I'RESEUviX(i. — The Medical Hom$ has the following recipes, which may be of value : A tea made of peach leaves is a sure remedy for kidney difficulty. A tea made of chestnut leaves, and drank iu the place of water, will cure the most obstinate cbbo of dropsy in a few days. A tea made of ripe and dried whortleberries, and drank in the place of water. Is a sure and speedy cure for a scrofulous difliculty, however bad. A [ilastcr made of fie^li slaked liinc' and fresh tar, is a sure cure for a cancer, which, with all its roots, will soon come out. LoBSTi-:ii SAfCK. — Pound the spawn and two an- chovies ; pour on them two spoonsful of gravy; strain all into some melteil butter ; then put in the meat of tbe lolistcr, cut up ; give It all one boil, and add a sipieeze of a lemon. To Makk a Pii.vrii. — Take a quart of lemon Ice, add tlie white of three eggs, well beaten, with rum, brandy (in the proportion of tliree parts of rum to one of brandy), and water to taste till the ice liqui- fies ; then add a small teacupful of infusion of strong green tea strained, and half a pint of champagne. To Cli!AN White Firu. — Take a clean piece of flannel, and with some heated bran ruli the lur well, when it will be quite renewed. The bran should be heated in a moderate oven, for a hot oven w ill scorch the bran and will brown the fur. Oatmeal is prefer- able to bran, if procurable with no husks. Dried flour will also answer the purpose. To Keep Moths Away. — Moisten a |.iiece of paper or linen with spirits of camphor, and put it into a bureau or wardrobe, licpi'at two or three times during a fortnight, and moths will keep away. So says a good housekeeiier. Antidote fou roi.>*oN. — Hundreds of lives might be saved by a knowledge of this single recipe. A large teaspoonful of mustard mixed in a tumbler of warm water, and swallowed as soon as possible, acts as an instant emetic, sulliciently powerful to remove all that is in the stomach. Whitewash that wii.i, not Itin Off.— Mix up half a pailful of lime and water, re aily to put on the wall ; then take oue-quarler of a pint of Mour, mix it up with water, then pour boiling water on it sulli- cient to thicken it ; then ])Our il , while hot, into the whitewash, stir all well together, and il is ready for use. To Wash Sii.k.— Silk will wash as follows : .Mix quarter of a ]iouiid of honey, quarter of a pound of soft soap, and a uill of gin; h>y each brcaiitb of silk 0111 wooden table, scrub il well with a brush and this mixture, then diji it successively in two pails of soft water; do not w ring it, but hang it thus lo dry, and iron between paper when suiiicieutly dry. Beefsteak a La Paiusienne.— Take a piece of steak about three (juarters of an inch thick. Trim it neatly, sprinkle it with pepper, diji it in oil and broil it over a clear fire. Turn it after it has been on the fir. a minute or two, and keep turning it until done ; eight or ten minutes will do it. Sprinkle with salt and serve with a small quaniity of finely-minced parsley and a piece of butter mixeil together, and jilaccd over or under the steak, tiurnisli with fried potatoes. Apple Custakii.— Take half a dozen tart, mellow apples, pa'-e and quarter them, and take out the cores; put them in a pan, with half a teacup of water ; set them on a few coals ; w hen they begin to giTW soft turn them into a |iudding dish aiitl sprinkle sugar on them ; beat eight eggs with rolled brown sugar ; mix tlicni with three pints of milk ; grate in half a mil meg, and turn the whole over the apples ; bake the custard between twenty and thirly minuies. Housekeepeus, when putting away your jellies, cover them with flnely-pulvcrizcd sugar. It will prevent them from moulding. If your fiat irons arc rough, rub them with fine salt. Scotch snutr put iu holes where crickets come out will destroy tlicin. To preserve the polished surface of Implements laiil aside until spring from rusting, make a paint of boiled oil and whiting, and place them in a dry shed. When brought out for use the next spring no rust will be found on them. The best remedy for bleeding at the nose, as given by Dr. (ileason, is the vigorous motion of the jaws, as if in the act of mastication. In the case of a child, a small wad of paper should be put in the mouth, and the child instructed lo chew il hard. It is the motion of the jiws that slops the flow of blood. This remedy is simjile but it has never been known to fail. A Good Plain Pie Cuist. — Sift one quart of flour iii.o a bowl ; chop into the flour (using a chop- ping knife) one-half pound of good, firm lard ; chop until very fine; pour in enough ice wati-r to make a stiff douuh, and work it in with your hands; flour your hands ; work vour dough into shapes ; handle it quickly and as liille as possible; fiour your jiaslry board; and roll out your dough very thin; always roll from you; have ready one half iiouud of good butler that has been washed iu two or three old waters to rid it of sail ; spread the dough with but- ter; Iblil it up, then roll it out thin again ; spread again with butter ; fold again and repeat the opera- tiou until the butter is all used up. 188 THE LANCASTER FARMER. [December, 1878 LIVE STOCK. How to Cure a Kicking Cow. The following remedy to prevent a cow from kick- insT, is communicated by Mr. Henry Kurtz, of Mount Joy, and is recommended by liim as practical and re- liable in its results. It is so simple in application that any one who has an animal addicted to the per- nicious habit of kickinsr, especially when it is being milked, can make the application for himself, and if successful it will be of very trifiina; labor and ex- pense, and will be of more value to him than tlie cost of half a dozen subscriptions to The F.\umer. Have constantly, at a convenient place in the cow- stable, a stout strap and buckle, sufficiently long to girth the animal, and about as broad as a common " belly-band." This strap may be made either of leather or heavy " webbing." When the cow be- comes vicious and manifests a determination to kick draw the strap around her loins or waist and buckle it up tight, the more vicious the tighter, and it will be impossible for her to kick. Repeat this every time she shows a disposition to kick, and in a short time she will be entirely subdued. In her first attempts to kick she may throw herself, but after that her kicking spirit will be broken and she will become gentle. The strap paralyzes the kicking muscles. Cooked Food for Cattle. Professor Wilkin.snn, of Baltimore, says : "I con- ducted an agricultural school and experimental farm . for eight years, and experimented with feeding cooked and uncooked food of every description used for cows, horses, sw'ne, working and fattening cattle and poultry, and carefully noled the result, which was in all eases very remunerative ; so much so that even with defeciive, inconvenient and cxjiensive ap- paratus used — for want of better — in steaming, manipulation and feeding, I found there was an average profit of at least twenty-five per centum, that is, in feeding the variety of animals named; but in feeding milch cows in cold weather with warm steamed food of every description, there was a profit of over thirty \)er centum when the animals were kept at proper temperature, and fed with proper pro- portions of nutritious food." Live Stock in Colorado. Probably none of the industries of the State have progressed so favorably, and returned such a per- centage of profit as has the ^rearing of cattle and sheep, and we might add, also, horses and hogs, although the latter interests are indift'erently de- veloped. The returns for cattle have been fully .33 per cent, net, taking the business as a whole. The Josses for the past year have been very light, though in a certain limit the losses were vei-y heavy last spring, hut the grand results of the whole State were very favorable. Prices the past season were good. The crop of calves has been extra large, and conse- quently the cattle men are happy. To sum up the ■whole business in a word, it is satisfactory. — Colo- rado Fanner. The Cow. If civilized people wei*e ever to lapse into the wor- ship of animals, t!ie cow would certainly be their chief goddess. What a fountain of blessing is a cow! She is the mother of beef, the source of butter, the original cause of cheese, to say nothing of shoe horns, hair combs, and upper leather. A gentle, amiable, ever-yielding creature, who lias no joy in her family affairs which slie does not share with m.^n. We rob her of her children, that we may rob her of her milk, and we only care for her that the robbery may be perpetuated. — liovsehold Wonlx. Calves. The CowUry Geuilfinait. gives the following method of riiising calves without milk: "Boil as much clover hay as can be crowded into the kettle used, for half an hour. Strain the tea, and while hot add a large handful of linseed meal to A\hat is to he fed to each calf, (iive about as much in quantity of the tea as would be given if milk were led. After a few" days the quantity of oil-meal may he doubled. Also feed the calf all the green grass, freshly cut, that it will eat, twice a day. ^ "Weaning Colts. Colts may be weaned at six months old. They require oats and good grass or hay, to make up for their mothei-'s milk. If they are starved at this time they may never recover from its pernicious effects in their future growth. Starvation of young colts will sometimes cause malformation by diminish- ing the growth of some part of the frame and leav- ing the body out of all proportion. ^ Sheep fed upon dry upland pasture are, beyond all ques- tion, the best ibr table, though, for the farmer's profit, the luxuriant grass of the fields pushes them along more rapidly. Feeding them for the market with turnips is highly profitable, as practiced in England, though the flesh is very inferior in flavor to that of sheep fed on dry pasture. POULTRY. Winter Treatment of Poultry. A correspondent, in addressing us on the subject, says in brief, that each fowl ought to produi'C 100 eggs a year; that in winter warmth is indispensable ; that the fowls must have some of the food they find at other seasons when at large ; that they must have plenty of room in their house, and it and the laying boxes kept clean ; that they must be fed with corn, barley, oats, have a box of sand, oyster or clam shells pounded up, or old mortar, or hones dried and pounded fine ; that mashed boiled potatoes and corn- meal are excellent ; that fatty matter of any kind, fresh beef, oi' pork scraps, Ac, must form a portion of their diet ; that hens are fond of vegetable mat- ter during winter and will eat cabbage, &c.; and that they must be kept free from vermin, which nearly always follows entire cleanliness. In case, however, vermin should still make their appearance there is nothing so efi'eelive in removing them as rubbing the top of the head, under the wings and upon the back with lard. These suggestions we have made time and again ; and have only to add now, that all who desire complete success, and of course satisfactory profit from poultry raising, must adopt them. — Genitaittoti'it. Telegraph. Composition for Hen Roosts. A correspondent of the Ponltry Yard recommends the ibllowing method of making perches for fowls ; Make a trough for the roosts by nailing lath on both edges of a piece of scantling or board three inches wide, projecting upward half an inch or more. Fill this trough with mortar, into which has been put to one pail of mortar half a pound of sulphur, half a pint of crude carbolic acid (liquid) and half pint of kerosene. If you want the mortar to set quiekl}', add one pound calcined plaster, such as dentists use for casts. Mix thoroughly. The mortar can be knocked out easily, and removed once or twice a year. Have these roosts loose, so they may be turned over bottom side up in very cold weather, to guard against freezing the fowls' feet by contact with the cold mortar. Poultrymen will find this much more effective than patent eggs, etc., as the whole fiock sit on the roost ten or twelve hours every day, instead of a part of them a few minutes, when they are lay- ing. The above is neither expensive nor troublesome to make, and should be used by everybody who keeps fowls. Good Fowls for Laying. A noted writer on fowls says ; "For laying hens select large, strong, healthy birds of the Leghorn varieties; with large, square bodies, without regai'd to fine points, such as pure white flat ear-lobes, or very yellow legs, or combs with just five points, or plumage that is perfectly white in the white variety, or withf)Ut a white speck in the brown. It is not fliat these points are any detriment to the health or the vigor of the birds, but that constit?)tion has been too often sacrificed to them, which often results in a strain of enfeeljlcd tliough handsome fowls. The Leg- horns are acclimated American breeds, which oiigi- nated from birds brought from the Mediterranean, and they have been improved in this country by cir- cumstances that have given them a pre-eminent po- sition for the farmer, when birds, such as are above recommended, are selected." Charcoal in Turkey-Feeding. An old turkey-raiser narrates the following ex- Ijei'iment : Four turkeys were confined in a pen, and fed on meal, boiled potatoes and oats. Four others, of the same brood, were also at the same time eon- fined in another pen, and fed dail}' on the sjime arti- cles, but with one pint of very finely pulverized charcoal mixed with their food — mixed meal and boiled potatoes. They had also a plentiful .'supply of lu'oken charcoal in th- ir pen. The eight were killed on the same day, and there was a difference of one and a half jiounds each in favor of the fowls which had been supplied with charcoal, they being much the fattest and the meat greatly superior in point of tenderness and flavor. — the Cultivator. Poultry Hints. A hen may be calculated to consume one bushel of corn yearly, and to lay twelve dozen or eighteen pounds i f eggs. This is equivalent to saying that 3.1 pouuds of corn will produce, wlien fed to this hen, one pound of eggs. A pound of pork, on the con- trary, requires about \\\e and one-third pounds corn for its production. When eggs are twenty-four cents a dozen, and pork is ten cents a pound, we have the iTushel of corn fed, producing S-.88 worth of eggs, and but -SI. 0.5 worth of pork. DuvxEss during the spring, when we oftentimes have heavy showers, is an import.i,iit requirement in the poultry-house. Diseasesoften originate through dampness produced by a leaky roof. When fowls are confined in a close, wet apartment it is impossible to keep them in a healthy condition. LITERARY AND PEROSNAL. The Labor Side of the Great Sugar Ques- tion.— By a workingman. New York. 1K78. It appears that the Cuban sugar kings, and the Ameri- can middlemen, agents and importers, are desirous of Congress placing a specific tariff of 2'^ cents per pound on all sugars up to the sixteenth grade of quality ; and they have formed an organization and created a large fund to carry the measure through. To give color to the necessity for such a measure a part of the policy is to r,aise the cry of "fraud," "extortion," "adulteration," "protection," etc., &c., against the sugar refiners of the country, who give employment to a large number of laboring men, and upon whose inilustry l.'iO.OOD of all ages and sexes depend for support. Such a specific tariff' would enable the Cubans to erect refineries on that island, and by the aid of their slave labor to throw out of employ all engaged in the refining business in this country and close up their establishments. Of course we know practically little or nothing about the mat- ter, but the very fact that foreigners, backed by im- mense wealth, are so very anxious lor such legisla- tion, evinces that there is much "milk in the cocoa- nut," which they desire to tap. We commend the perusal of the above 8vo. pamphlet of 'llj pp. to the reading public as a very cleverly stated "labor side" of the question, a/tj/Aoii), whatevr may be the final result. Butterflies and Moths of North America, with full instructions for collecting, preparing, classi- fying, packing for shipment, etc. A Spmplete syno- nyinieal catalogue of Macrolepidoi'TERa, with full bililingrapliy, to which is added a glossary of terms, and an alphalictical and descriptive list of. localities. By Herman Strecker, life member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia ; member of the American Entomological Society, and various other scientific associations. " Time at last sets all things even." Press of B. F. Owen, Heading, Pa., Is78. -83 pages royal octavo, and sent by mail for $2.00. Address the author, box 111, Reading P. O. We regret exceedinglj- that we have unavoidably omitted to notice this excellent work before, for we think it worthy the patronage of amateurs and students in entomology, as well as those who may be deemed veterans in this branch of natural science, and espe- cially Lepidopteristx . Mr. Strecker has devoted his life's best energies, and a large amount of his pe- cuniary means to this specialty, and we believd'.there is not a man in the country that is better qualified to get up such work in all its practical details than he. He possesses the largest collection of butterflies and moths in America, numbering 40,000 specimens, and makes this branch of enfomofogy his exclusive study. How TO Destroy Insects, on plants and flowers, in the garden and the house. Published by Henry T. Williams, N. Y., I'-TS. Price thirty cents. A square iL'mo. of 100 pp. This seems to he a compila- litin of "good, bad and iuditierent" remedies for the destruction of insects injurious to green and succu- lent vegetation mainly, such as usually infest green- liouscs, window plants and gardens — remedies that have been floating around in the newspapers of the country for longer or shorter periods, during the past dozen years or so. We recognize in it many good lliiugs, some neni things, and perhaps none that are &ac^, in the ordinary sense; but certain!} many that may be only indiflerent. The good things alone, however, are worth more than the price of tlie book. There is, however, one feature that stands out very prominently throughout the whole work, and that is an apparently mawkish ignoring of all scientific names, in many instances involving us in doubt as to what species of insects, or other animals, are meant. This, in the present relations between liorticulture and entomology, we deem important. The scientific names should by all means be there(in brackets), no matter lor whom the book has been written, or how jiopular it is intended to be. The .\1ontulv Floral and Fruit Ma(;azine, a demi 8vo. of 10 pages. D. S. Custis, editor and proprietor. No. 1012 Pennsylvania avenue, Wash- ington, D. C. This is a standard journal, neatly printed, compactly formed, and for "its inches" contains a large amount of excellent reading matter pertaining to fruit and flowers, and only costs $1.00 a year. The sth number of volume 1 is before us, from whicdi it will he seen that it is comparatively a new enterprise. We sincerely wish its success, and from the contents of the November number, we do not hesitate in saying it richly deserves it. Solid Silver Plated Txm.E Ware.— The cai-sU, of Douglas Silver Plating C(im]iany in another column will attract the attention of every reader, and we take pleasure in saying the silverware sold by this firm is a superior quality and gives everyone full satisfaction. We can suggest lor a Christmas present nothing more agreeable or gratifying. — AmcricaJi Christian Review. S. R. Wells & Co. 's new terms to agents and premium list for 1S79, pulilishers of the Phrenologi- cal Journal, 7.7 Broadway, N. Y. Very profuse and very valuable. Send for lists au < circulars and avail yourself of their advantages ; you can't well do better. THE LANCASTER FARMER. III. 1760. ESTABLISHED 1760. GEO. M. STEINMAN & CO, 26 and 28 West King-st. HARDWARE, BUILDING HARDWARE, GLASS, PAINTS, OILS, FVMPS, TEREACOTTAJRONaMLEADPIPE, LEATHER BELTING, SEEDS, PHOSPHATES & FARM IMPLEMENTS. Agrents for the " Ohio " Reaper Eund Mower, Whann'B Phosphate, Fairbank'a Scales, Dupont'a Powder, Harrisburg Nails, <&;o., &o, We have the largest stock of general Hardware In the State, and our prices are as low and terms as liberal as can be found elsewhere. 9-1 -tf. Half Dozen for - - - $6.00! SHIRT FRONTS, StocliBp, SiispeMers, HaniercMefs, Iiliien and Paper Collars and Cuffs SHIRTS MADE TO ORDER AT E. J. EHISliCAlT'S, No. llO North Queen Street, Second door from Shober's Hotel. 9-1 -I y J. STAUFFER, mmt $1 mmi LANCASTER, jeENN'A. 23S EAST ORANGE ST. All mattere appertaininR to UNITED STATES or CANA- DIAN PATENTS. TKADE MARKS, and COPYRIGHTS, promptly attended to. His experience, success a-d faithful atentioQ to the iuterests of those who engage bis services are fully acknowledged and appreciated. Preliminary examinations made for him by a reliable Aa sistant at Washingtou, without extra charge for drawing or description. [7-4-tf WANTED 1 MMEDIATEL Y V V 77 Young Men and Women to learn TtLE- X GUAPHY. Situations guaranteed. Salary while practicing. Address, with stamp, fisherman Telegraph <'o.. Dherljn. Ohio. 8 9-Gt E. N. FRESHMAN & BROS., ADVERTISING AGENTS, 186 W. Fourth St., Cincinnati, 0., Are authorized to contract for "advertising ill tbis paper. 1877 POST-CENTENNIAL 1877 CI-OTHS, CASSIMERES, COATINGS, :W«>R8'rERDS, TESTINGS, SUITINGS, Meltons, Chiviots and Tweeds, Plain, barred, striped and diagonal, for Spring and Summer, at the Merchant Tailoring and Clothing Store of RATHVON & FISHER, (Established iu the year laiO), Corner of North Queen and Orange-Sts., LANCASTER, PA. Extra flniehed and trimmed, Reiidy-made Clothing, for MEN AND BOYS, and clothing cut or made to order in the most satisfactory manner. A fine line of GENTS' FURNISHING eOODS, and goods sold by the yard or piece. RATHVON & FISHER, 9-l-ly Practical Tailors. H. Z. RHOADS. CHAS. G. RHOADS. M. HABERBUSH, MANUFACTURER OF Plain and Fine Harness, SADDLES, COLLARS, ■WHIPS, &c., ALSO DEALER IN TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS, BUFALO ROBES, Horse Covers, Lap-Rugs, G-loves, &c.. No. 30 Fenn Square, 9-1-ly LANCASTER, PA. ECONOMY IN FERTILIZERS ! HOME-MADE CHffllCAl MANURES, The iiiOHt Effective and Cheapest. Buy reliable Chemicals and make your own Fertilizers AT HOME. Write for circular, giving full information on this subject. We make, or import, all kinds of Fertilizing Ghemicale, including : Oil of Vitrol, Dissolved Bones, Ground Bones, I,.nnd Plaster. Sulphate of Potash, Xitrnle of soda. Auricultural Salt, Sulpliateof Ammonia, Muriate of Potash. Boii«* 4 hareoal. Sulphate of Soda, Sulphate of Maf^nesla. Address HARRISON BROS. & CO., 105 South Front Street, PhUndelphia. Established ae Munul'acturdra of Fertilizing Chemioale Estiniates fnmistieil Iree. SeM lor a CirciQar. My annual Catalague of Vegetable nnd Flower Seed for 1877 will be ready by January, and sent fr*'**, to all who ap- ply. Customers of Insf seasau need not write for it, I offer one of the l-irgest collpctions of vegetable seed over sent out by any seed hou^e iu America, a large portion of which were grown on my six seed fanns. I*rinted directions ffrr cultivation on ever;/ package. All seed sold from my estab- lishment warranted to be both fresh and true to name; so far, that should it prove otherwise. I will jeGll the order gratis. As the original introducer of the Hubbard and Marblehead Squashes, the Marblehead Cabbages, and a score of other new vegetables, I in\nte the patronage of all who are anxious to have fhn'r needs fresh, tnu. and 0/ the veri/ best strain. New Veokt.\bles a Specialty. 8-l2-3t] JAMES J. H. GREGORY, Marblehead, Mass. H.Z. RHOADS &BRO., 38 West King Street, Lancaster, Pa., Wholesale and Ketail Dealera in BIAMOK, WATCHES, JEWELRY, SILVERWARE, SFEGTACLES, Bronzes, Clocks asi Watckakers' Uatemls. JOBBEIIS IN AMEIilGAN WaTCI^BS. ORDERS RECEIVED FOR Special Injportations iij Foreign Goods. $12 ft day at Home. Agents wanted. Outfit and terms free. TRUE & CO., Augusta, Uaine. [S-S-ly 9-1-ly] REPAIRING BY SKILLFUL WORKMEN. is the most beautiful work of the kind in the world. It oott- taina nearly 160 pages, hundreds of fine illustrations, and six Chromo Plateso/ Floxccru, beautifully drawn and colored from nature. Price 50 cents in paper covers ; SI -00 in ele- gant cloth. Printed in German and EngU-«h. VickN Floral Guide. Quarterly, 25 cents a year. Vlck^n'^-ntalo^ue — 300 illustrations, ouly 3 cents. Address, JAMES VICK, Rochester, N. F. SPOONS and FORKS. BUY DIRECT Of Manafactnrers., at Wholesale Prices. Made of Steel, plated with white Alabota Metal. They will wear like silver and last ten years. Six Teaspoons, 40c. ; Six Tablespoons, 60c,; Six Table Forks, 7«c. By mail on receipt of price. Olive, Oval and Tipped x>attema. Samples and terms to Grangers or Patrons, 50c. 8.12-2t] ELECTRO PLATE CO., Northford, Codd. FAR For Sale H:inirini,- from 20 -o .500 Arm. Apply to I" MAIyO:¥E, Salisbury. Md- -l-3t Our Combined ISEEDS, CATALOGUE EVERYTHING ©ABBE If Numbering 175 pages, with Colored Plato, • SENT FREE « -. To our cnstoraersof past years, and to all purchasers t^ H of our books, either ^ W Gardening for Profit, Practical Floriculture, <] ^ or Gardening for Pleasure. t^ (Price $1.50 each, prepaid by mail,) * To others on receipt of 2dC. Plain Plant or Seed Catalogues, without plate, free to all. Seedsmen, Market Oardenera and Florisln, 35 Cortlandt St.. New York. ■■■■■ PLANTS. I 9-I-3t IV. THE LANCASTR FARMER. [January, 1877. LADIES ! WB HAVE JUST OPENED GUNDAKER'S MILLINERY AND TRIMMING STORE, A NEW LOT OF HAMEGEMBROIDEREBIGINGS AND INSERTINGS, AT THE VERT LOWEST PRICES. Also, SILK & WORSTED FRINGES, Corsets, Kid GlOves, :E3:osiEi:Fi.3r, Linen Collars and Cuffs, Neckties in all shades and styles, cR/kE»B ve:ex.s. CKAPE BOXNETS & HATS, KUCHINGS, ;»11 styles and widths, and everything else in LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S WEAR, that is good, desirable and cheap. Give as a call at Hos. 142 & 144 North Qneen-st, Lancaster., Pa. 9-1-1 y ERESH AND RELIABLE DON'T FAIL TO USE THE Buffalo Honest Fertilizers ON ALL SPEING CEOPS, Ammoniated Bone Snper Phosphate, AND PURE GROUND BONES. The purity of these gooda ie guaranteed, and their stand- ard proved by regular analysis of Prof. G. A, Liebig of Baltimore, and other eminent chcmiBts. Highest Premium and Medal of Honor awarded by the Centennial Commission of the International Exposition. PhiJa., 1876. Send for new Spring Circular, containing full directions and testinionlals. 0-2-3t.] OflBce 252 Washington St., Buffalo, N. Y. RATHVON & STAIR, DEAXEKS IN DRY GOODS AND NOTIONS, ITo. 163 LOCUST STEEET, COLUMBIA, PA. »-l-3m <^CC ^ A Of?^ a Week to Agfuts. $10 Outfit Free. tPOO UO »I> i I P- O. VICKEBY, Augusta, Maine, AMOSMILEY, 108 North Queen-st., Lancaster, Pa., MANUFACTURER OF AND DEALER IN Saddles, Harness, Collars, Bridles, Whips, &c. Also a fine lot of Trunks, Valises, Carpet Bags, Buffalo Robes. ^ Harness and Trunks neatly repaired. 1j1LOWE;R SKED.^— all imported from the best and most celebrated fi French Q-roTwers. ■% T"EGETAmLiE SEEDS — the best and most desirable varieties — V both imported and grown. |j-TlELr> SEEOS— 6 packages free as samples for two 3-cent stamps. J_i Trees, Plants, Implements, &c. OUR NEW CATALOGUE of the above, ready January 1st, will be maUed post free .o all applicants. Our elegant new Catalogue is just out— Price, SO c«iits. It contains 48 large octavo double column pages, besides separate pages of cuts from life of our finest imported and prize stock. Every farmer should have it. Addbsss BEXSOX & BURPEE, 223 Church St., Philadelphia, Psu W O H o Ph H W w en O X CO CO H O O PQ K W a H p < H TO < 6 l-H iz; W g ^ ) all n Will be n. i I e d nppH- cantH oti ro- npt of 26 cts. 6 is ont* of tlie largest CATiXOGFBS published, coDtaiiiH ioiit 2.W papee, over _iiie engravings, two pb'giint colored plates, and vca full descriptions, prices [i diiectiona for planting over 1200 vnricties of VegetMhle [id Flower Seeds, Bedding Plauta, ses, &c., and is JnTaluable to armer. Gardener & Florist. Addreas, P.U. FEERY & CO., Detroit, llich. 'Our AbriiJ'fd Pricfd CaUilo'Di FREE to all Applitanls. r> FIACPZ.ES. I will mail (Free) the receipt for preparing c simple Veg- etable Balm that will remove Tah, Freckles, PIMt LES and BLGTOHES, laaving the skin soft, clear and beautiful; also instructions for prodncing a luxuriint RrOwth of hair on a bald head or emontb face. Address Ben. Vandelf & Co., Box 6121, No. B Wooeter St., N. Y. t9-l-6m FOUR BRAND PRIZE MEDALS AWARDED OUR EXHIBIT AT THE CENTENNIAL. Bli8>i'8 Illastrated feeed Cat.nloffiie and Amateur's Guide to the Flower and Kitchen Garden. 200 pafrea, including: sevf-ral hundred finely executed enKravintrs. and a beautifully colored Lithograpli. 35 Cents. Bliss's Illustrated Gnrilenei-'s Almanac andAbridsred C'atnloeue. ISBpai-'eB. Embraces a Monttily Calendar <.f OneratioiiB. and a Price List of all the leading Gnrden. Field and Flower Seeds, profusely illustrated, with brief directions for their culture. 10 Cents. Bliss's Illnslrated Potato Oataloiroe con- tains a list of 500 Varieties, and much useful infor- mation upon tbeir cultivatinn, 10 Cents, Rcoular customers stinpUcd gratis. Address P. O. Boit, B. K. BLISS & SONS. No. 5713. 54 Barclay St., New York. 9-l-2t ESTABLISHED 1832. Gr. SEN EH & 80:N^S, Mauufacturere and dealers in all kinds of rough and iiLiishcd The best Sowed 8III>'GL.ES in the country. Also Sash, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings, &c, PATENT 0. G. WEATHERBOARDING and PATENT BLINDS, which are far superior to any other. Also best COA I. constantly on hand. OFFICE AND TARD : Northeast Corner of Prince and Walnnt-sts,, 9-1-ly >«Af f=V .r^r'-y/s ^A^'OVSW^^^Wr';.r!c .^^^'>^^^^^^ o/^c;^'^^^^ iv <:■■::.- yx.^ ,A^^*'' ^sa?^^;^p«a^ hH ' aa''"' ■ '^ ^,SR<;^ - /^ ^ ,-v -^^ ■> ■^ , ' n, A •>AAA^AaA'^: \^O^r\,^r^0^^. mm .'^^rr> :^<^A>-:^i^ >rC:S2' ^A^^■^;,^,^A^.^ ^^^>^v^: ^^AA \a^i^/^ mmm" r- r\ ^ r M^^A'^^0'^^'^/ CTTm '.^AaAa' ^ A ^- ^^^ Ar ^^;,^^^A ^' -. a. ^ ^ J . . . ..,aaa""- ^l,..,.^l^/^^^ i^f^l^^y^- ■VAO,'.>^yi,^, ^^AA '^^^^^^^^^|5X^ omS^a^?^-*?^^^^^^ -'^--A^AA 3v'_^':'Av^,